Advantages and Disadvantages of influences on Parliament Flashcards
- A First Advantage is…
A First Advantage is that the Government is made aware of issues that it would otherwise not be aware of, as the government is often only interested in issues on its own political agenda.
[give examples from public opinion/media/pressure groups/Law Commission]
- On the other hand however, a first disadvantage is that governments respond too quickly…
On the other hand however, a First Disadvantage is that governments respond too quickly to high profile incidents – a “knee-jerk reaction” - and so introduce poorly drafted legislation, for example the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 which followed public outcry and the media highlighting a series of attacks on children by dogs.
The League Against Cruel Sports pressure group led to the controversial passing of the Hunting Act 2004. Also, if a different party is elected in a general election, they may decide to repeal or alter soe laws imposed by the previous government.
- A Second Advantage is that expertise and experience in a particular area is brought, which MPs may not have. However, it may actually be argued that…
A Second Advantage is that expertise and experience in a particular area is brought, which MPs may not have. However, it may actually be argued that members of the House of Lords do have some expertise in a wide range of topics. Any suggestions to change government proposals are generally non-political. [give examples from media/pressure groups/lobbyists/Law Commission]
- On the other hand however, a Second Disadvantage is bias as only one point of view is supported, without an objective argument…
On the other hand however, a Second Disadvantage is bias as only one point of view is supported, without an objective argument for the public and the government to consider. When considering public opinion, it is important to understand that it is difficult to reflect public opinion in a pluralist society.
[give examples from public opinion/media/pressure group. Note that newspapers are biased as they support different political parties eg. Daily Mail – Conservative party]
- A Third Advantage is that it is… (Democratic, Manifesto)
A Third Advantage is that it is Democratic that there is freedom to try to influence the government at all stages of the legislative process. Manifesto promises have a mandate (authority) as that government has been voted in.
However, the lack of parliamentary time means issues such as budget and tax take priority. [give examples from public opinion/media/pressure groups]
- On the other hand however, a disadvantage is that influences conflict with each other. For example…
On the other hand however, a Third Disadvantage is that influences conflict with each other.
For example, the public and different parts of the media have different views, and the
Countryside Alliance pressure group campaigned in opposition to the League Against Cruel Sports with regard to the Hunting Act 2004 which banned foxhunting.
- A Fourth Advantage is… (Success Rate)
A Fourth Advantage is the success rate of influencing new laws. [give examples from public opinion/media/pressure groups/Law Commission]
- On the other hand however, a Fourth Disadvantage is the government does not have to listen. It does not have to be…
On the other hand however, a Fourth Disadvantage is the government does not have to listen. It does not have to be influenced by anyone else, and may be strong enough to risk being unpopular with the public. For example, “fathers for justice” are yet to achieve their aims. Perhaps the most important influence is the ‘manifesto’ of promises made by the government itself before a general election.
