In many parliaments and other similar assemblies, seating is typically arranged in banks or rows, with each political party or caucus grouped together. The spokesman|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.
In the British House of Commons, the Government frontbench is traditionally called the treasury bench ('the treasury' is the oldest government department). The government frontbench is on the right hand side as seen by the Chairman (typically the Speaker of the British House of Commons|Speaker of the House of Commons or the Lord Speaker, and is occupied by Government Political minister|ministers. The opposition frontbench is occupied by ''shadow'' ministers, of which the most senior form the Shadow Cabinet.
While backbenchers are referenced in the Canadian House of Commons, the front seats on the government side are reserved for cabinet ministers.
