A caucus is the group of elected members from a single political party within a legislature (Parliament, provincial legislature, or sometimes municipal council). Caucuses meet privately to discuss strategy, coordinate positions, and build consensus among party members before public debates and votes. The government caucus includes all MPs or MLAs from the governing party, while opposition parties each have their own caucuses. Caucus meetings are confidential, allowing members to voice disagreements privately while presenting a united front publicly. Caucus decisions influence how members vote, though some votes allow free votes outside party discipline. The term also refers to meetings of members sharing common interests (like a women's caucus).