Crossing the floor

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/crossing-the-floor

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the voting against party whip?A legislator votes contrary to their party's instructed position while retaining membership
2. What is the consequences of dissent?Potential loss of ministerial posts, shadow cabinet roles, or party expulsion
3. What does it mean when a politician "crosses the floor"?It means they leave the party they were elected with and join another party, changing their political team.
4. Why might a politician decide to cross the floor?They may have big disagreements with their party, feel the party no longer represents their voters, or want to follow their own beliefs.

Legislator: A person who is a member of a legislature, such as a parliament or congress.
Party Discipline: The expectation that members of a political party will vote and act in accordance with the party's policies and leadership.
Mandate: The authority granted to an elected official by the voters to act on their behalf.
Frontbench Positions: Senior roles within a political party, often including shadow ministerial positions, held by prominent members.