What is the primary function of the Opposition in a government?

In the UK's parliamentary system, the Opposition plays a vital role in holding the government accountable. Think of it as a built-in system of checks and balances. The government, usually the party with the most seats in the House of Commons, proposes and implements policies. However, these policies aren't enacted without scrutiny. That's where the Opposition comes in. Their main job isn't simply to participate in debates or represent the people – although they do these things too. And while they might want to change laws eventually, their immediate function is to rigorously examine and challenge the government's proposals, point out flaws, and suggest alternative approaches. This ensures that policies are well-considered and that the government is transparent and responsible. Without a strong Opposition, there's a risk that the government could become too powerful and potentially make decisions that aren't in the best interests of the country. So, while other answers might seem partially correct, the primary and most crucial function of the Opposition is to challenge the government.