Ch. 4 - Strengths & Weaknesses Of Parliament As A Law Maker

Question 0

Strength: Resources for law making

Answer 0

• Has resources & expertise to make laws.
• Prepare recommendations for appropriate legislative action for committees, working bodies.
• Legislation is often the result of lengthy inquiries/reports.

Question 1

Strength: Democratically Elected

Answer 1

Elected to represent the will of majority of people.

Question 2

Strength: Comprehensive Law Reform

Answer 2

Parliament can undertake large scale reform of entire areas of law.

Question 3

Strength: Provides for debate

Answer 3

• Ensures the views of the community about proposed changes in the law are debated.
• Allows detailed review of complex legislation.

Question 4

Strength: Delegation of Power

Answer 4

• Parliament can delegate law making powers.

- Authorise subordinate bodies to make delegated legislation by passing an enabling act.

Question 5

Weakness: Delays in law making

Answer 5

Parliament can only change the law when it’s “sitting”.

Question 6

Weakness: Federal System

Answer 6

Division of power may result in confusion & inconsistencies.

Question 7

Weakness: Impact of party politics

Answer 7

Members of parliament may represent the views of their political parties rather than their electorates.

Question 8

Weakness: Impact of political pressures

Answer 8

Parliament may be reluctant to act on controversial issues due to electoral pressures.

Question 9

Weakness: Delegating law making power

Answer 9

Parliament may not have adequate control over delegated legislation.

Question 10

Weakness: Slow to change

Answer 10

Parliament may be slow to take action when the law has become out of date.