Aisle (political term)

Aisle (political term)

In the United States, the two major political parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, are often referred to as "the two sides of the aisle".

Origin of the usage

Usage of the term "aisle" in this regard derives from the fact that in the United States Senate and the United States House of Representatives members' desks are arranged in the chamber in a semicircular pattern and the desks are divided by a wide central aisle. By tradition, Democrats sit on the right of the centre aisle, while Republicans sit on the left, as viewed from the presiding officer's chair.

"Crossing the aisle"

A member of one party who votes for legislation supported by the other party and generally opposed by his own party is described as "crossing the aisle", i.e., "Five Democrats crossed the aisle and voted with the Republicans."

"Both sides of the aisle"

A proposed law that has bi-partisan support is said to be supported by "both sides of the aisle".


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