Advantages & Disadvantages of Influences on Law Making Flashcards
1
Q
Adv; Polictical Influence; Proposals for Reform
A
- Each Political party has proposals for change if they were to come into power.
- The fact that gov’t has majority in HoC means virtually every law it proposes will be passed. In this way, the government reflects majority of electorate.
2
Q
DisAdv; Political Influence; New Elected Prime Minister
A
- If this happens, they may decide to repeal or alter some of the laws the government previously have passed.
- This is due to their policies being different. Changes like this in the law can be costly and criticised.
3
Q
DisAdv; Political Influence; Small Majority Gov’t
A
- If so, gov’t may be restricted in what laws it can propose.
- Where there’s a coalition government, there will have to be a compromise on what policies are followed.
- Happened from 2010-2015 where conservative and lib dem parties were a coalition.
- Could be said majority of electorate didn’t vote for this coalition and compromise so gov’t didn’t reflect will of electorate.
4
Q
Adv; Public Opinion; Specific Events
A
- These may play a role in formulating the law.
- Happened when massacre of Dunblane, pressure group was created to ban ownership of handguns in which the government did for most handguns.
5
Q
Adv; Public Opinion; Free Press
A
- Members of the press can criticise government policy or bring any other issue to the attention of the government.
- Happened in the MPs expense claim - Parliament had to reform the whole government system on expenses as a reason of the outrage.
6
Q
Adv; Public Opinion; Social Media
A
- Comments on social media can be made as soon as an issue arises.
- This allows government to consider a law while it is fresh in the public consciousness.
7
Q
DisAdv; Public Opinion; Knee-Jerk Reactions
A
- Can lead to law being created too quickly and not thoroughly so law is drafted badly.
- Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; had to amend act again 5 year later due to the poor wording.
- Act failed to protect people from dogs and didn’t stop people being attacked and dying by death of dog.
8
Q
DisAdv; Public Opinion; Media Manipulation
A
- Media manipulate the news to create public opinion.
- News of the World ‘name and shame’ campaign against paedophiles.
9
Q
Adv; Pressure Groups; Members
A
- Some pressure groups have large membership can can exceed those of political parties,
- AA or National Trust can raise an issue of concern to a large number of people.
10
Q
Adv; Pressure Groups; Important Issues
A
- Raise importance, environmental groups have made the gov’t more aware of the damage being done by greenhouse gases, fuels and pollution.
11
Q
DisAdv; Pressure Groups; Seeking to Impose
A
- Seek to impose ideas even where the public may not agree with their ideas.
12
Q
DisAdv; Pressure Groups; Conflicting Interest
A
- 2 pressure groups can have conflicting interests and want opposing things.
- Was seen in the ban of fox hunting was considered/
- League against Cruel Sport wanted it banned, but Countryside Alliance wanted it to be allowed to continue.
13
Q
Adv; Lobbyists; Attention of MPs
A
- Anyone can wait in ‘lobby’ of parliament and speak to an MP. This may lead to debate in Parliament, publicity for the issue and even to change the law.
- Pro lobbyists, especially ones from pressure groups, are good at presenting these issues in best way and making case an issue.
14
Q
Adv; Lobbyists; Flexibility
A
- Anyone can be a lobbyist - individuals and large organisations.
- There are procedures to allow individuals to have access to their MP for the purpose of lobbying both at Parliament and at local constituency level.
15
Q
DisAdv; Lobbyists; Use of Pros
A
- Can lead to an abuse of the process.
- Especially seen when MPs were paid to ask questions.
- Means that financially successful businesses or other organisations have more influence than ordinary members of the work.
