In some
parliamentary systems
, the
opposition
party assigns members of
the party to take special note of the policy areas dealt with by
particular
ministers
. These
opposition members who ‘shadow’ ministers
have no official status but may, as a matter of courtesy, be given
more access to government information than other opposition
members. Some opposition parties may not choose to
create shadow ministers or parliamentary spokespersons for
particular policy areas, but may give all opposition members
responsibility for monitoring an area of government
activity. See also
back bench
.