CrossParty

Cross-party (often hyphenated as cross-party) is a term used to describe actions, groups, or sentiments that involve members from multiple political parties, aiming to bridge partisan divides. It is commonly used as an adjective (cross-party cooperation) or adverbially (to work cross-party). The term emphasizes collaboration across party lines, rather than within a single party, and is distinct from partisanship and adversarial politics. It may apply in legislative, governmental, or public policy contexts. In some writings, the unhyphenated form crossparty is used, but cross-party is the more standard spelling.

In parliamentary systems, cross-party collaboration can take the form of cross-party groups or coalitions. Many legislatures host Cross-Party Groups or All-Party Groups where lawmakers from different parties meet to discuss issues such as health, environment, or trade. Cross-party support for a bill or policy occurs when members from multiple parties back the same measure, increasing its chances of passage regardless of majority party leadership. The term is also used to describe voting patterns, consensus-building mechanisms, and independent or technocratic commissions that include members from multiple parties.

Limitations and criticisms: while cross-party initiatives can produce broadly acceptable policies, they may require compromise and risk diluting policy specifics or delaying decisions. Critics sometimes view cross-party efforts as symbolic or as bargaining grounds that can undercut party platforms. The concept is common in democracies seeking stable governance, inclusive policymaking, and broader legitimacy for decisions.

See also: bipartisan, coalition, all-party group, cross-partisan collaboration.