Parties and groups that do not control the government constitute the opposition. In democratic systems the opposition scrutinizes the majority, proposes alternatives, and prepares to take power if voters so decide.

Institutionalized opposition is a hallmark of liberal democracy. Opposition parties receive procedural rights, funding, and media access that allow them to compete fairly. In authoritarian systems, genuine opposition is harassed, co-opted, or banned, leaving only nominal or approved critics.

Effective oppositions balance confrontation with responsibility. Pure obstruction can alienate voters; excessive cooperation can blur differences. Shadow cabinets, select committees, and public campaigns are standard tools. The health of a democracy can be read partly from whether the opposition can criticize without fear and whether it has a realistic path to office.

• Political forces not currently in power
• Scrutinizes government and offers alternatives
• Protected in democracies, constrained in autocracies
• Prepares for possible future government