English Phrase — Identify the meaning in context. Sentence: There was no opposition to the new policy by the rank and file of the Government.

Introduction / Context:
“Rank and file” is a fixed phrase used in politics, unions, the military, and large organizations. It refers to the ordinary members as opposed to the leadership or elite. Understanding this distinction improves comprehension of news reports, policy memos, and organizational analyses where grassroots sentiment is contrasted with top-level decisions.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Phrase under test: “rank and file.”
• Context: reaction to a government policy.
• We need a precise identification of who the phrase refers to.

Concept / Approach:
Historically, “rank and file” in military formations referred to rows (ranks) and columns (files) of common soldiers, not officers. By extension, in civil bodies it denotes ordinary members. This stands in contrast to ministers, high officials, or the “official machinery” (bureaucracy). It also differs from “the majority,” which is a numerical descriptor rather than a structural role.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Paraphrase: “There was no opposition from the ordinary members of the Government’s workforce/party.” This matches typical political commentary where base-level acceptance is noted.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• the official machinery: Refers to the administrative apparatus, not ordinary members.
• the majority: Numerical concept; could be leaders or members, not specific.
• the cabinet ministers: Leadership elite; opposite of rank-and-file.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating “rank and file” with “majority.” Even a minority of ordinary members are still the rank and file; the term is about position, not count.

Final Answer:
the ordinary members