Party lines

Most political parties in Western democracies have very comprehensive and distinct policies on a range of issues. When legislation is proposed in parliament on certain subjects important to the party, members of the parliament are expected to vote with their party bloc, or face the anger of, or even expulsion from, the party. This is known as 'following the party line'. On other occasions, members are free to vote as their consicence permits, this is known as a conscience vote.