In many
parliaments and other similar assemblies, seating is typically arranged in banks or rows, with each
political party or
caucus grouped together. The
spokespeople for each group will often sit at the front of their group, and are then known as being on the
frontbench (or
front bench) and are described as frontbenchers. Those sitting behind them are known as
backbenchers. Independent and minority parties sit to the side, and are referred to as
crossbenchers.