Describe advantages and disadvantages of influences on Parliment Flashcards
What is a first advantage of government awareness?
The government becomes aware of issues it might otherwise overlook, as it often focuses on its own political agenda.
Examples include public opinion, media, pressure groups, and the Law Commission.
What is a disadvantage of government responding to public pressure?
Governments may react too quickly to high-profile incidents, leading to poorly drafted legislation.
An example is the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which followed public outcry over dog attacks.
What influence did the League Against Cruel Sports have?
It led to the controversial passing of the Hunting Act 2004.
What happens when a different party is elected?
They may repeal or alter laws imposed by the previous government.
What is a second advantage of legislative influence in relation to expetise?
Expertise and experience in specific areas are brought in, which MPs may lack.
Members of the House of Lords often have expertise in various topics.
What is a disadvantage of legislative influence in relation to bias?
Bias can occur as only one point of view is supported, lacking an objective argument for public consideration.
What challenge does public opinion face in a pluralist society?
It is difficult to accurately reflect public opinion.
Examples include biased newspapers that support different political parties, such as the Daily Mail backing the Conservative party.
What is a third advantage of influencing government in relation to democracy ?
It is democratic to have the freedom to influence the government at all legislative stages.
What is the significance of manifesto promises?
They have a mandate as the government has been voted in.
What is a disadvantage of influences in lawmaking in relation to confliction ?
Influences can conflict with each other, such as differing views from the public and media.
Example: The Countryside Alliance campaigned against the League Against Cruel Sports regarding the Hunting Act 2004, which banned foxhunting.
What is an advantage of influences in lawmaking in relation to success?
There is a success rate in influencing new laws through public opinion, media, pressure groups, and the Law Commission.
What is a limitation of government influence?
The government does not have to listen to influences and may choose to be unpopular with the public.
Example: ‘Fathers for Justice’ have yet to achieve their aims.
What is the most important influence on government decisions?
The manifesto of promises made by the government before a general election.
What is a disadvantage for lobbyists and pressure groups?
They can resort to criminal behavior to promote their cause.
Example: Protests by the Countryside Alliance and Extinction Rebellion in the House of Commons, and the ‘cash for questions’ scandal in 1994.
What is a disadvantage of the Law Commission?
A lack of parliamentary time for reforming ‘pure law’ as most time is spent on other matters.
What is another disadvantage of the Law Commission in relation to speed?
The process of law reform is often lengthy and slow, taking years for a report to be produced.
What is a third disadvantage of the Law Commission in relation to investigations ?
The Law Commission investigates 20 or more areas at once, which further slows down the process.
What is the government’s obligation regarding Law Commission proposals?
The government is not obliged to implement the proposals but must provide reasons for not doing so under the Law Commission Act 2009.
