Official Opposition (Lower Columbia)

In Lower Columbia, His Majesty's Loyal Opposition, commonly referred to as the Official Opposition, is typically the largest political party in the Federal Assembly or a state legislature which is not in government, whether by itself or as part of a coalition government. When only one party is in government, the Official Opposition is typically the second-largest party in a legislative chamber, or the third-largest party if a two-party coalition is in government (although in exceptional circumstances, the second-largest party may still be the Official Opposition). Any other opposition parties may still choose to vote with the Official Opposition, but are not obligated to do so.

The Official Opposition's primary function in Parliament and in state legislatures is to keep the government in check. It also commonly forms a sort of alternative government, organized as a shadow cabinet and led by the Leader(s) of the Opposition. As members of the governing party or parties are appointed as cabinet ministers, so members of the Official Opposition take on roles as shadow ministers with identical portfolios. Their function during legislative debates is simply to provide critiques of, and alternative perspectives on, the government ministers' talking points. This parallel organization ensures that, if the government loses the confidence of the legislature and the Official Opposition wins a subsequent election, the party can quickly form a fully functional government.

The opposition's official style of His Majesty's Loyal Opposition is meant to remind both its members and those of the other parties that, despite the party sitting against the ruling government, it is still loyal to the King, and through his symbolizing the state, to Lower Columbia itself.

Advantages
The Official Opposition has procedural advantages over other opposition parties. Its members are given the first opportunity to speak after the government during debates, and are allotted extra time during question periods than members of other opposition parties. It also frequently receives more staff members and larger offices than other opposition parties. In addition, the Opposition Leaders in Parliament have their own official residences in Kendall, akin to the Lords of Parliament's official residences, as well as salaries and benefits equal to those of cabinet ministers. Opposition Leaders in most states enjoy similar benefits.

Council of States
Due to the need for governments to maintain the confidence of both houses of Parliament, governing coalitions are formed whenever two different parties hold majorities in each house, or when a party holds a majority in only one house. Typically, this arrangement results in the Official Opposition party being the largest non-government party in both houses. However, this is not the case when different parties are the largest non-government party in each house. In such situations, the largest non-government party in the Federal Assembly becomes the Official Opposition in both houses. As a result, the largest non-government party in the Council of States may not be the Official Opposition, and thus will not enjoy the procedural advantages which the Official Opposition enjoys. Such situations may also result in the Official Opposition party having to form a coalition if it wins a subsequent election, leading to the resulting government taking longer to form than would otherwise be the case.