Example Questions

Question 1

Jenkins report

Answer 1

An electoral system should:
Allow Broad proportionality
Provide stable government
Provide more voter choice
Keep a good constituency link

Question 2

Jenkins report recommend

Answer 2

AV - Jenkins report in support for AV by 85%
2011 ref, 68% voted to keep FPTP

Question 3

For a codified constitution

Answer 3

Would provide greater clarity on what is / isnt constitutional
Authoritative reference in court
Limit power of state and its institutions
Would provide greater protection for rights of citizens
And better inform them
Our system is outdated
Most conventions date back to pre modern era

Question 4

Against a codified constitution

Answer 4

Pragmatic adaptation has worked well so far and is preferable
No elite consensus on what a codified constitution should look like
Would be rigid and difficult to amend
Gives judges who are accountable greater political power
No great popular demand
Other issues more important

Question 5

Explain and analyse the importance of 3 sources of uk constitution

Answer 5

• statue law. Any law created or passed in house of parl. approved by HOV/L+MON. Supreme source of constitutional law- override. Executed by cabinet and enforced by courts . Fixed term parl act 2011- 5 yearly elections to WP. Removed pms power to use prerogative power to call an election at a politically advantageous time. Overturned royal perogative which was established by inferior common law.
  -conventions, rules or norms that are considered to be legally binding even when they are not codified or legally enforceable. Hard to define and unclear , ‘major bill’ convention or that royal assent is always granted.
• works of constitutional authority, handful of long established legal and political texts that have come to be established as reference points of what is allowed under UK constituons. Eg Walter Bagehots the English constitution 1867- first set out the roles of cabinet and pm describing the latter as first among equals

Question 6

Deserve and explain the key principles that underpin the uk constitution

Answer 6

• parliamentary sovereignty, A B Dicey twin pillar doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty holds that WP is supreme law making body. Legislative supremacy is constructed around three interconnected parts- parliament can legislate on any subject of its choosing; legislation cannot be overturned by any high authority; no parliament can bind its successors
  -rule of law. Defines relationship between state and citizens. Ensuring that state action is limited and responsible. A V Dicey - twin pillar- no one can be punished without trial; no one is above law; subject to same justice.
  -unitary state, constitutions may be classified according to whether they concentrate political power at the centre or divide it between central and regional government. The traditional British one is unitary. Highly centralised so sovereignty isn’t retained at WP.

Question 7

Explain and analyse 3 ways the UK constitution has developed (if it says sources stick to statue law etc)

Answer 7

Magna Carta- 1215- guaranteeing freedom from church, king couldn’t raise taxes without people’s consent. Right to due process in law guaranteed. Lords created the first stepping stones for an uncodified government. However did not give many rights to ordinary people. Nobles could select a comittee of 25 to scrutinise the actions of the king. Although reissued and party altered in following decades seen as a landmark in the development of humane rights- some of its clauses are in other key documents like bill of rights.
- bill of rights 1688- only parliament could pass or remove laws. Only Parliament could raise money for government expenditure, only parliament could raise and maintain an army during peacetime. Therefore established legal postion of army .Parliamentary privlidge was established. Freedom of speech in HOC, MONARCH COULD NOT IGNORE PARL BY NOT CALLING IT. major milestone for uk constitution. No royal interference in elections. Established key principles of rights and freedoms in government. HOWEVER, Rights were vague and easily could be reinterpreted. Precise definitions of free elections unclear. Statue law held no legal authority and no formal procedure for removal of monarchy.
- act of settlement 1701- changing relationship between crown and government granted Parliament the power to choose the monarch. Judges could not be removed without consent of Parliament. Royal pardons became irrelvant in cases of impeachment . No foreign born man could sit in parliament or hold military command. Monarch had to be COFE and married to one to guarantee Protestant succession. FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE THAT THE MONARCH EXISTED ON PARLIAMENT TERMS.

Question 8

EXPLAN AND ANALYSE 3 WAYS N WHICH NEW LABOUR REFORMED THE UK CONSITUITON;

Answer 8

(1997-2010) ONE WAY NEW LABOUR REFORMED THE CONSTIUTION WAS WITH THE CONSTITUIONAL REFORM ACT (2005). THE CONSTIUTIONAL REFORM ACT CREATED THE SUPREME COURT WHICH BECAME THE HIGHEST COURT IN THE COUNTRY. THIS WAS SIGNIFICANT IN REFORMIG BRITAIN BECAUSE IT SEPERATED THE LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL BRANCHES IT ALSO REFORMED THE ROLE OF CHANCELLOR DIVIIDNG THE POSITINS INTO THREE DIFFERENT BRANCHES (EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE AND JUDICIAL). THIS CREATED AN EQUAL POWER BALANCE TOGETHER, RATHER THAN ONE PERSON HAVING ALL THE SAY. IT REFORMED THE PROCESS FOR SELECTING JUDGES THIS WAS SIGNIFICANT AS IT MADE THE PROCESS FOR SLECTING JUDGES AS IT MADE THE PROCESS MORE INDEPENDENT

Question 9

Explain and analyse three different theories of representation (9).

Answer 9

One theory of representation is the Trustee model. This was proposed by Edward Burke. It said MPs are responsible for representing the interests of their constituents in parliament. Yet, once elected they are free to decide how to vote based on their own independent judgment of the merits on an issue ( they don’t need constituents approval). For example, Nick Boles was a Tory MP from Grantham and Stamford, he was a remainer in a leave constituency, he voted to remain, and therefore voted against his constituency and the tory party. He said he was putting the nation’s best interest before his parties. This theory is limited due to its strong elitist undercurrents, it is largely disliked due to the idea that MPs knew best because they had greater understanding of the affairs of the state. Another theory is the Mandate Theory. This theory is about MPs representing and carrying out party policies / manifesto pledges and not about that actual personality of the individual, after all it is the party that got them elected. For example, this is verified by Frank Field in Birkenhead – he was a long serving and highly respected MP but he stood as an Independent after leaving the Labour party in 2019 and lost to the very safe labour seat. Therefore the theory is borne out by many examples of MPs leaving a party mid term after gaining respect and then going onto lose. A rare exception, and rare case against the theory is that of Douglas Carswell moved to UKIP in 2014 and won his Clacton seat again, defeating the tories. This shows the theory does have its limits, although arguably, Carswell’s constituency were voting for the same policies ( a strong leave seat) rather than same personality to represent them in parliament. A final theory is the Delegate theory. This theory suggest that an individual is selected to act on behalf of others on the basis of clear instructions ( to delegate for their constituency). They should not depart from these instructions in order to follow their own judgement and preference (opposite to trustee theory). An example being that of Zac Goldsmith, he said he would resign from Regents Park Constituency if the government backed the third runway – he stuck to his word but lost the election. Another example is Stephen Loyd MP for Eastbourne. He said he would honour Brexit referendum because the nation and his constituency voted for it, therefore he broke his Liberal Democrat Whip. This theory is limited by the fact it is highly unlikely MPs will be able to reach a consensus among the whole constituency. It is difficult to work out what everyone wants. And, the theory even states that MPs are not expected to act as delegates; they are representatives who are free to exercise their own judgment on issues also.

Question 10

Describe three ways of scrutinising parliament

Answer 10

One way is through PMQS these are held at noon on Wednesdays for half an hour it gives the opposition a chance to ask the Prime Minister and ministers unwelcome questions to expose weaknesses for example when Gordon Brown the then Prime Minister accidentally said ‘not only did we save the world’ instead of ‘not only did we save the banks’ they can also give positive publicity to opposition parties as when Tony Blair famously accused the then Prime Minister John Major of being ‘weak weak weak’ finally they keep the Prime Minister on their toes Tony Blair once recalled Prime Minister question times as being the most ‘nerve racking, discombobulating’ experience in his prime ministerial life however in some ways their efficacy is limited they can convey an image of theatricals and rowdiness former labour MP John Bercow claimed they are ‘an exchange of pointless and useless declamations’
Another way of scrutinising parliament is through parliamentary debates these are away for MP’s and peers to air their views about government actions and policies it is an opportunity for free expression of views and opinions about issues of the day they are televised to the public can watch and be informed this improves the access ability and transparency of parliament they are an opportunity to change how MP’s and peers might vote however most debates are a set piece occasions and MPs stay voting in party line instead they use the debate to impress their party leader to benefit their own career prospects

A final way of scrutinising parliament is through select committees these investigates and scrutinise actions of civil servants and ministers and each government department they are effective as less confrontational up then debates and Prime Minister question times in the main chamber debt reports are often hard hitting an influential for example in 2018 they recommended many measures to stop child obesity leading the government to ban sweets from supermarket checkouts they are often chaired by MP’s from the opposition party are not effective as the government has to respond in 60 days however this is limited as they have to respond but not enact consensus between parties is not always reached majority and minority along party lines

Question 11

Explain and analyse three ways in which new labour reformed the UK constitution

Answer 11

ne way new labour reformed the constitution was with the constitutional Reform Act of 2005 the constitutional reform created the Supreme Court which became the highest court in the country. This was significant in reforming Britain because it separated the legislative and judicial branches it also reformed the role of chancellor dividing the positions into three different branches executive legislative and judicial this created an equal power balance and was significant as it meant three people had together rather than one person having the whole say filly it reformed the process for selecting judges this was significant as it made the process more independent this happened by inventing the additional appointment Commission for England and Wales for example positions were clear advertised and only the 1st candidate can be rejected.
Another New Labour reform was the Human Rights Act of 1990 this incorporated the right set out in European Court of human rights allowing them to uphold to be upheld in UK courts this was a significant change to the UK constitution as previously citizens found it too expensive to take their breach of rights to international court by applying these treaties treaties of ECHR it meant that citizens were better protected and their concerns were more easily heard on the other hand it was greatly criticised by the conservative party at increased the political role of the judiciary they this meant giving more power to the unelected which they argued weakened the constitution
The creation of Prime Minister question times reform the UK constitution Prime Minister question times are a weekly 30 minute session where MP’s from across the Commons can ask the PM questions which he is unaware of this created a constitutional change because it changes how we hold the PM to account for their actions the leader of the opposition will always ask 6 questions with the other questions coming from backbenchers this provides parliament with the opportunity to scrutinise the Prime Minister and the government on any topic of their leadership this allows the British people to hear from both parties on the weeks key issues however Prime Minister question times can be used by the governing party to promote their own agenda effectively filling the 30 minutes with easy questions overall Prime Minister question times have allowed for greater accountability of the Prime Minister and therefore has reformed the UK constitution

Question 12

Describe recent developments since 1977

Answer 12

ne example is the Freedom of Information act of 2000 this act required public bodies bodies like the government and NHS to make publicly available certain information about their activities such as an annual report and minutes of meetings and allows members of the Public to request information this was significant as Freedom of Information requests were popular 45,000 such requests made in 2016 alone it allows the public and pressure groups to identify possible examples of waste and inefficiency or even corruption of the public bodies however its significance is limited as public bodies can and often do refuse requests for information for example for national security in 2016 37% of all requests were declined the act therefore leads to a conflict between an individual’s rights of privacy and the right of the public to gain access to information about public officials
The fixed term parliament act of 2011 is another example this weekend the power of the minister’s snap election parliament now needed a vote by 2/3 majority to call an early general election it was significant as it allowed the coalition government to work well in this table and effective manner in the full five year term the political stability in turn was seen as beneficial for economic growth and longer term policy making it also was Farrah on the junior member of the coalition brackets Lib Dems after 2010 general election however the act was only passed in the 1st place because of the political circumstances annex pendency not out of high principles it could also be argued that even failed in its political aim to protect the Lib Dems who lost a significant number of MP’s after the five year coalition

Finally the Human Rights Act of 1988 it’s if citizens feel like the state has breached their rights they can take it up with the ECHR this was significant as it made incorporated rights set out in the ECHR into UK law allowing them to be upheld in court however it was criticised by the conservative party as it increased the political role of the judiciary and it gave more power to the unelected they argued it weaken the constitution

Question 13

Explain how the constitution has develope

Answer 13

firstly Magna Carta in 1215 guaranteed freedom of the church from royal interference it gave the right to fair trial and the king could not raise taxes without people’s consent it gave the right to due process in law and nobles could select the committee of 25 to scrutinise actions of the king 63 provisions in a legal document created by the Lords it was the first stepping stone for an uncodified government however it didn’t give many rights to ordinary people and it was reissued an partly altered in following decades but it was still seen as a landmark document in the development of human rights some of its clauses are in other key documents like the Universal Declaration of the human rights

Secondly the Bill of Rights in 1688 this said only parliament could pass an remove laws and only parliament could raise money for government expenditure people could complain to the monarch through parliament only parliament could raise a maintain an army in peacetime and the parliamentary privilege meant that everyone had the right to free speech in court the principle of free elections away from government influence was established so essentially it removed royal interference in elections manik couldn’t ignore parliament by not calling it and it formally established parliament sovereignity however the rights were vague and easily re interpretated and the precise definition of free an elections was unclear
Third para

Question 14

EXPLAIN AND ANALYSE THREE FACTORS THAT COULD POTENTIALLY AFFECT TURNOUT

Answer 14

ONE FACTOR THTA COULD AFFECT TURNOUT IS COMPLUSLORY VOTING. MANY PEOPLE NOW HAVE PARTISIAN DEALIGNMENT AND FEEL NO AFFILATION TO ANY PARTY DUE TO ISSUES AND EVENTS LIKE THE 2009 EXPENSES SCANDAL, WHICH CAUSED GREAT DISALLUSIONMENT WITH POLITICANS. THEREFORE, BY MAKING VOTING COMPULSORY TURNOUT WOULD INCREASDE BY MAKING THOSE UNMOTIVATED TO VOTE FOR A PARTY MOTIVATED. (australia do this has one of highest voting turnouts in world )
ANOTHER FACTOR THAT COULD AFFECT TURNOUT IS ONLINE VOTING. IN SOME CASES, PEOPLE DON’T VOTE DUE TO LIMITED MOBILITY AND POLLING STATIONS NOT BEING ACCESIBLE FOR THEM. THEREFORE, ONLINE VOTING WOULD BE SIGNIFICANT TO INCREASING TURNOUT AS IT GIVES MORE PEOPLE A CHNACE TO. THIS WOULD BE VERY MODERN AND SUITED TO MODERN DAILY LIFE; ‘SLACKTIVISM’ DESCRIBES PEOPLES TENDENCY TO PARTICIPATE IN A SUPERFICIAL WAY BY ‘LIKING’ OR SHARING POLITICAL CONTENT ONLINE, JUST AS EASY TO VOTE.
A FINAL FACTOR COULD BE CHNAGING THE ELECTROAL SYSTEM TO THAT EVERYBODYS VOTES COUNT. FOR EXAMPLE A PROPORTIONAL SYSTEM.

Question 15

Explain analyse three features of democracy 9 marks

Answer 15

ne feature of democracy is participation this is when people participate in politics through voting joining political parties or pressure groups or lobbying their elected representatives or government it is significant as it allows everyone to express their political opinions in a constructive way as their vote will be seen and heard another feature I have democracy is the rule of law this is the idea that laws apply equally to everyone and anyone who breaks a lot is punished this is significant as it shows no one is above the law and rule of law is one of AV divertices twin Pillars for a constitution another feature of democracy is elections people vote regulating elections there are many these may be to elect representatives representative democracy or directly decide on specific issues which is Direct democracy this is significant as people actively play a part in the government that’s built

Question 16

First Pass the Post is not fit for purpose to what extent do you agree with the statement

Answer 16

Bullet point two out of the last four general elections 2010 and 2017 have not produced a clear winner with an overall majority
2010 led to a coalition government which took a week to agree
Wasted votes 2015 election youkip got 3.9 million votes only one seat
When is bonus and the 2019 election the Conservatives got 44% of the vote on 56% of the seats in 2015 the SNP got 50% of Scottish vote and 96% of Scottish sheets
2017 minority government under Theresa may
Turned out in 2001 was 59% which is improving but still below normal historic range is a participation crisis
Surplus about
Safe seats
Electoral deserts
Minority mandate
Elective dictatorship the First Pass the Post gives government large majority which means there are effectively unchecked like Margaret Thatcher and Tony blair
New electoral systems introduced since 1997 for dissolved institutions like the London Assembly and mayor please commissioners and European Parliament none of them used First Pass the post
Jenkins commission criteria included broad portionality and voted choice new life labour conference pledged to put electoral reform on their manifesto
Referendum endorsement of first past the post in 2011 not a fair test proportional system not one of the options and in many ways anticlag referendum
Arguments against the assertion May include
Tradition goes back to representation of the people act in 1919
Lack of perfect alternative
Majority mandates increasing 33% in 2010 49% in 2015
2011 AV VOTE indicated wish to keep first passed the post and very low to now 42% indicates apathy
Did deliver a single party majority in 2019
2015 did deliver the most social diverse Parliament in history
Simple today quick result and constituency link rough Justice tactical voting helps remove unpopular and fall failing governments like labour in 1979 conservatives in 1997 and labor into 2010
Does squeeze out extremists like the British National Party won two seats in in 2009 your opinion Parliament elections under the part list system but have never one seats in westminster
Works well in a two-party system returned to two particles in 2017 and 2019
It did meet two of the criteria of Jenkins commission constituency link and stable government
Synoptic links may be made in areas such as codified and uncodified constitutions federalism and Devolution and judiciaries any response that does not include synopic points cannot achieve above level 4 students would not need to cover each and every one of the above points to gain high marks equally some introduced further relevant points and these shall be credited credited the conclusion should clearly focus on the issue in the question in that evaluation it does not matter what view students reach however their position must be supported by arguments and exams

Question 17

Should 16 and 17-year-olds be given the right to vote

Answer 17

FOR:
Responsibilities without rides can have a job pay tax so should have right to vote how can we fight Wars but have a say about if they should happen
Youth interest is ignored could offer new debates on issues such as education drug laws social morality it gives a new perspective
Lead to Stronger political engagements 18 to 24 year olds have lowest turnout rate 16 17 year olds helped to increase youth turnout in Scottish independence referendum of 2014 75% of 16 and 70 year olds vote versus 54 of 18 to 24 year olds
Irrational cutoff age if 16 and 17 year olds are excluded from politics and grounds of their knowledge and understanding the principal is very inconsistently applied what about poly educated and ignorant adults
Against:
Deferred representation representation is only delayed by wants two years until 18 18 year old are likely to be broadly in touch with same interests and concerns as 16 and 17 year olds
Immature voters most still love with parents and are still in education not full citizens similar to why women didn’t get the vote
Preserving Childhood Adolescent should be a period during which young people can concentrate on school and enjoyment
Undermining turnout may cause turnout to decline as young voters are less likely to vote than old voters

Question 18

Should prisoners be given the right to vote

Answer 18

for
Harder to rehabilitate the denial of the right to vote removes a sense of civil responsibility making rehabilitation harder
Fundamental right the right to vote is fundamental and cannot be removed
Alienation makes prisoner a non-person and further alienates them from Society by not being able to vote
European rulings the European Court of Human Rights has ruled that the blanket ban on prisoners is a violation of human rights
Not a deterrent
Against:
punishment those who commit a crime against society should lose the right to have a say and how about Society is run deterrent the Threat of losing the rights of oat presents crime and enhances Civil responsibility
Undermines Justice giving convicted criminals the right to have the same how laws are made undermines the principle of Justice and constituencies undermined

Question 19

fptp

Answer 19

Voting - SIMPLE; VOTERS PUT AN X NEXT TO THEIR PREFERRED CANDIDATE. EASY TO UNDERSTAND- WHOEVER GETS THE MOST VOTES WINS.

CONSTITUENCIES- EACH CONSTITUENCY IS REPRESENTED BY 1 MP, SO CONSTITUENCIES KNOW WHO TO CONTACT.

PARTIES- FPTP TENDS TO PRODUCE A TWO PARTY SYSTEM, GIVING VOTERS A CLEAR CHOICE BETWEEN TWO BROAD PARTIES, EACH OF WHICH HAS A REALISTIC CHANCE OF FORMING A GOVT. EXTREMIST PARTIES FIND IT DIFFICULT TO WIN A SEAT.

GOVERNMENTS- FPTP TENDS TO RESULT IN MAJ SINGLE PARTY GOVTS WHO FIND IT EASIER TO PASS LEGISLATION. MAJ GOVTS HAVE A CLEAR MANDATE FOR THEIR MANIFESTO, GOVTS ARE EASILY HELD ACCOUNTABLE BY THE ELECTORATE FOR IMPLEMENTING THEIR MANIFESTOS. COALITIONS AND MINORITY GOVTS ARE RARE - SEEN AS A GOOD THING AS TRADITIONALLY WEAKER GOVT, LESS STABLE THAN MAJ

TING- MILLIONS OF WASTED VOTES NATIONALLY; ENCOURAGES TACTICAL VOTING, CHOICE OF CANDIDATE IS MADE BY PARTY NOT PEOPLE, IF A VOTER WISHES TO VOTE TORY, EG, HEY CANNOT CHOSE BETWEEN A SELECTION OF TORIES. TURNOUT TENDS TO BE LOWER IN COUNTRIES THAT USE FPTP.
CONSTITUENCIES- A MAJ OF VOTERS IN A CONSTITUENCY MAY HAVE VOTED AGAINST THEIR REP. VOTERS IN SAFE SEATS CAN FEEL THEY DO NOT NEED TO VOTE, NO POINT VOTING TO SUPPORT THE PARTY. ELECTION CAMPAIGNS TEND TO FOCUS ON MARGINAL SEATS, IGNORING SAFE SEATS. IN 2017, ONLY 97 MARG SEATS {SEATS WON BY A MAJ OF 5% OR LESS}, MEANING VAST MAJ OF SEATS WERE UNCOMPETITIVE. DIFFERING POP SIZES MEANS NOT ALL VOTES COUNT EQUALLY, IN 2017, THE LARGEST UK CONSTITUENCY WAS ISLE OF WIGHT - 109,000 ; SMALLEST WAS IN SCOTLAND WITH 21,200.
PARTIES- IT FAVOURS PARTIES WITH CONCENTRATED GEOGRAPHICAL SUPPORT. MINOR PARTIES WIN FAR FEWER SEATS IN THE HOC THAN THEY WOULD IF SEATS WERE ALLOCATED PROPORTIONALLY TO VOTES. A NOTORIOUS EXAMPLE - 2015 UKIP WON 1 SEAT FOR 3.9 MIL VOTES. MINOR PARTIES STRUGGLE TO CONVINCE SUPPORTERS TO VOTE FOR THEM, AS THEIR VOTE IS LIKELY TO BE WASTED. DIFFICULT FOR NEW PARTIES TO BREAK INTO POLITICS.

GOVTS- FPTP EXAGGERATE THE MANDATE THAT GOVTS ACTUALLY HAVE. IN 1997, LABOUR WON 2.5 X MORE SEATS THAT TORY, BUT ONLY GOT 1.4 X AS MANY VOTES - WINNERS BONUS. SINCE 2010, RISE OF MINOR AND REGIONAL PARTIES, (SNP, SINCE 2015) HAS MADE IT HARDER FOR TORIES OR LABOUR TO WIN A LARGE MAJ. IN EFFECT, UK NOW HAS MULTI PARTY SYSTEM BUT A VOTING SYSTEM DESIGNED FOR TWO. DOES NOT GUARANTEE A STRONG MAJ. FROM 2010 - 15, UK HAD A COLATION GOVT, MINORITY GOVT FROM 2017.

Question 20

IS THERE A PARTICIPATION CRISIS???

Answer 20

RNOUT IN GENERAL ELECTIONS HAS FALLEN IN RECENT DECADES. IN 1950 MORE THAN 80% OF ELECTORATE VOTED, IN 2001 JUST 59% DID - RECORD LOW
SOME ELECTIONS HAD EVEN WORSE TURNOUT- IN 2012 PPC ELECTION HAD A 15% TO.
PARTY MEMBERSHIP HAS FALLEN SINCE 1950S, TORIES HAD 2.5 MIL, NOW 124,000 IN 2018
PARTISAN DEALIGNMENT
TRADE UNIONS HAVE FEWER MEMBERS AND ARE LESS POWERFUL THAN IN 1980S
POLITICAL APATHY APPEARS TO BE COMMONPLACE AMONG YOUNG PPL. TO DATA FOR 18-24 YR OLDS SHOW THEY ARE LESS POLITICALLY ENGAGED THAN ANY OTHER AGE GROUP
DISILLUSIONMENT WITH POLITICIANS Has INCREASED SINCE 2009 EXPENSES SCANDAL
‘SLACKTIVISM’ DESCRIBES THE TENDENCY FOR PPL TO PARTICIPATE IN A SUPERFICIAL WAY- BY LIKING / SHARING POLITICAL CONTENT ONLINE.
RNOUT IN GENERAL ELECTIONS HAS RISEN SINCE 2001 REACHING 69% IN 2017 ELECTION
TO IN RECENT REFS HAS ALSO BEEN HIGH. 85 % VOTED IN 2014 SCOTTISH INDY REF, 72% IN 2016 EU REF - ELECTORATE ISS ELECTIVE - DONT GOIVE A SHIT ABOUT PCC.
MEMBERSHIP IS INCREASING - LAB HAS 500,00 MEMBS AND SNP MEMBERSHIP HAS MORE THAN QUADRUPLED SINCE 14 INDY REF
SOCIAL MEDIA HAS CHANGED - NATURE OF POL PARTICIPATION HASD - POL PARTIES USE MEDIA TO REACH ELECTORATE
PRESSURE GROUP MEMBERSHIP HAS INCREASED
NEW PARTIES DONE WELL IN RECENT YRS, UKIP -SNP- GREEN PARTY MADE PROGRESS

Question 21

‘Representative democracy is better than direct democracy’ Analyse and evaluate (25 marks)

Answer 21

Almost all modern western democracies use representative government, regular elections are held so that people can elect representatives. In the uk there are separate national and local elections- these elected representatives become a part of a legislative assembly that make these laws, some elected reps follow delegate model (how constituents want them to), trustee model (edmund burke-mps follow what they think is best.)Disadvantages of direct democracy- the public may not fully understand the question they are voting on. Elected representatives might be better placed to analsye and evaluate the issue./ the majority of people may vote for something that undermines the rights of a majority group, tyranny of majority/people may vote for emotional or populist short term reasons, rather than taking a more considered view/ holding so many votes is slow and expensive, particularly in countries with large populations
Advantages of direct democracy, people can participate directlyin the decision making process / the wishes of the people cannot be ignored by their elected representatives in government/ people motivated to become well informed about political issues/ decisions have the direct authority of the people, gives them greater legitimacy.

Question 22

Explain explain and analyze three circumstances under which referendums have been held in the UK nine marks

Answer 22

they are also held as part of a coalition agreement but this is rare for example the av referendum coalition deal 2010
they are also held due to partly party management in an attempt to settle divisions these are common, the EEC in 1975 and brexit in 2016
they are also called due to political pressure this has happened twice in recent years for example UKIP was successful in forcing brexit referendum and the SNP forced the Indy ref in 2014

Question 23

Explain and analyse three movements and reforms that enabled the UK to become a democratic state (9 marks

Answer 23

Great reform act 1832- one in five men could vote 5.6% of total population
Representation of the people act 1918- a product of the political and social changes caused by ww1. Alll men over 21 (or 19 for veterans) could vote. Women over 30 who met the property qualification could vote
Representation of the people act 1928. Women finally received the vote on equal terms to men. All men and women over 21 could vote. Property qualifications were removed.

Question 24

xplain and analyse three features of democracy (9 marks

Answer 24

Rule of law. The countries laws apply equally to everyone and anyone who breaks the law will be punished. Av dicey pillar
Accountability. The government is accountable to the people. If the electorate thinks the government has done a bad job, it can vote in a different government. Collective / individual responsibility.
Participation. People participate in politics. This can be through voting, joining political parties or pressure groups or lobbying their elected representatives or the government.

Question 25

Explain and analyse three arguments in favour of reforming FPTP (9 marks

Answer 25

Voting- it encourages millions of wasted votes nationally. It encourages tactical voting. The choice of candidate is made by the party, not the voter. If a voter wishes to vote conservative, they cannot choose between a selection of conservative candidates. At the 2019 general election, of the 32 million votes cast, only 9.4 million votes were ‘decisive’ in securing a candidate’s election .Turnout tends to be lower in countries that use FPTP than in countries with proportional systems. ?List system would potentially eliminate surplus and wasted votes as it is the most proportional system.
Constituencies - a majority of voters in their constituency may have voted against their represnetaive. Voters in safe seats can feel their is no point in voting if they do not support that party, election campaigns tend to ignore safe seats and focus on marginal seats instead. In 2019, there were only 67 marginal seats, meaning that the vast majority of seats were uncomeptative. Differing population sizes in each constituencies mean that not all votes count equally; in 2019 the largest uk constituency was the isle of wight- 113,020 electorate. Smallest constituency was in scotland with 21,106. STV potentially eliminate, parties are repped in each constituency while maintaining cons link.
Parties -it favours parties with concentrated geographical support, minor parties win far fewer seats in the hoc than they would if seats were allocated proportionally to votes. In 2015, ukip won just one seat for 3.9 million votes. Minor parties struggle to convince supporters to vote for them, as their vote is likely to be wasted, difficult for new parties to break into politics. AMS is fair to all parties- more voter choice, select local and natonal leader. Highly proprtonal hybrid system.

Question 26

Explain and analyse three arguments against the greater use of referendums (9 marks

Answer 26

Refs offer no protection against the tyranny of the majority. Churchill said refs are ‘devices of demagouges and dictators’. Uk european union membership referendum 2016, 52 voted to leave, 48 to stay, unexpected . cameron included the ref to stop tory voters switching to ukip and to placate eurosceptics in his party yet resigned because his massive political gamble had faled
Referendums can threaten parliamentary sovereignty and representative democracy. Clement attlee said ‘devices alien to our traditions’. Scottish independence ref 2014, cameron critiscised by some tories for calling the ref as risk of breaking up uk, cameron argued he had no choice, snp had won majority in 2011 scottish parliament elections with an independence ref in their manifesto. Snp - yes scotland / lib dems and labour ran ‘better together’-
Governments still hold the power , not the people- tend not to hold if they think they will loose. Scottish devolution ref 1997, welsh devolution ref 1997 and greater london authority ref 1998 were used by blair to legitimise his constitutional changes and part of his devolution programme. The scottish devolution ref 1997 got yes by 74%, it is more than likely blair knew the outcome would be yes.

Question 27

Explain influences on parliament

Answer 27

One feature on government and parliament is think tanks. Think tanks are organisations that exist purely to develop new policies. They are especially influential in recent years given tony blair increased the use of think tanks. #
Give example
Another feature of influence on government and politics is lobbyists. These are political operatives who are paid to influence the government. Lobbying in the uk has grown in uk over last 2 decades - over 100 lobbying firms in uk. Dyson example
Another feature on the influence og government and parliament ix the media. Governmdents are scrtutinisde by the media and are keen to attract positive reports. Government ministers often have close relationshipsx and personal links with key figures in the media. For example, in 2012 the close friendship between pm david cameron and rebekah brooks was revealed. She is former editor of world news and the sun.
More example

Question 28

EXPLAIN AND ANALYSE THREE PEROGATIVE POWERS OF THE PM

Answer 28

One perogative power of the pm is deciding who is and who isnt in the cabinet. This is signiifcant because those PMs with large majorities, like David Cameron can use it to their advantage. For example, his addition of John Osbourne to the cabinet was extremely beneficial to Cameron as thye had a close politcal relationship. Yet, this power of patronage is contrained as those without a large majority cannot choose their cabinet freely. For example May had to include both Brexiteers and remainers, with the likes of Boris Johnson, a big beast being unshakabele, much to May’s dmeise - check in folder.
Another perogative power of the PM is the ability to deliver boradcats to the whole nation. In the forst lockdown, an estimated 22 million watched Boris Johnson’s speech. This was signiifcant as it allowed him to convey messages efficently and effectively, as well as broadcasting his authority. Johnson did not consult parliament about the lockdown, emphassing hios perogative power.
Finally, the pm has the power to deploy armed forces, which os extremely powerful. The government is not formally requied to discuss this within parliament nor seek their apporval. For example, May with the air strikes in Syria. She argued this was not an act of war and thus did not require parlimentary consent, thus emphasing her perogative power. However, arguably may broke convention as she should have consulted parliament. Another example of this is Tony Blair with his 2008 invasion of Iraq, there was no pressure within the cabinet or the wider party, or public for uk troops to be mobilised and no sense that natioanl securtiy wa simmensley threwatend by iraq. Instead, the decision was largely a result of Blair wanting to cement his strong personal relationship with Bush, and to deepen the ‘colation of willing’, for this he recived hevay critiscm. This highlights how powerful thier perogative power is but equally how perpgative powers can be abused.

Question 29

The UK Cabinet remains an important part of the executive’ Analyse and evaluate this statement. 25 marks

Answer 29

The PM needs the cabinet to speak as one voice – provides strength and unity to government – disputes are settled in cabinet. But T May was weakened during Brexit when many cabinet ministers spoke out/voted against the government policy. She at one point had to enforce CREU referendum: Cabinet able to say what they want. Boris and Gove undermined PM’s Remain position and key to its failure. 1990s – John Major - huge splits over Europe that undermined his position. John Redwood. However:Sometimes the cabinet is ignored. Blair and Brown deciding on not joining the Euro currency before Cabinet. Blair’s War in Iraq seems to be HIS policy. AV and EU referendum, Cameron went with without much discussion. Strong PMs mean that splits in the Cabinet have very little impact on PM. E.g. Blair and Thatcher both sidelined the Cabinet. Presidential?
Through cabinet committees and within their own departments or among small groups of ministers , policy making can be shaped then brought to Cabinet as authoritative proposals which cabinet would be reluctant to reject. When Cabinet is settling disputes between ministers it is effectively making policy, especially in allocating public expenditure to different uses.This was important during Coalition. There was a need to forge consensus (but there was the Quad which decided all matters of policy (inner-cabinet). However PMs have increasingly marginalised cabinet, finding new ways of agreeing policy outside Cabinet, either among groups of powerful ministers or in external bodies such as SPADsE.g. Alistair Campbell and BlairDominic Cummings and Boris.Nick Timothy and Fiona Hill and May – they actually wrote the 2017 manifesto. These people don’t have same restraints as cabinet ministers.Mo Mowlam said Blair was a President and Cabinet was dead!!
Even though the PM is first among equal the cabinet has the ability to overrule of them.E.g. Thatcher resignations harmed her. Especially Howe at the end, Lawson and Heseltine. Boris – 57 ministers resigned on him. So he resigned. Brown – work and pensions secretary resigned and demanded Brown stood down so Labour could win an election. James Purnell. Weak majority means that the Cabinet has a lot of power over the PM. May was forced to work with the Cabinet after 2017 to collectively decided on Brexit negotiations. However…Cabinet is at the mercy of the PM. They can be sacked or reshuffled. Early on Blair got rid of Frank Field when he was off message. May got rid all but four of Cameron’s cabinet. Cabinet cant signed treaties etc. Blair sidelined the cabinet over the war in Iraq.

Question 30

EXPLAIN AND ANALYSE THREE FEATURES OF PARTY FUNDING

Answer 30

One feature of party funding is membership fees. The income from these fees has declined since the 1980s. Yet, many parties still employ the use of membership fees. For example, Labours use of ‘registered supporters’ was controversial. In 2015, supporters who paid three pounds were allowed to vote but in 2016 the fee was changed to £25 to prevent leadership elections from being hijacked by people not fully commited to the party. Thus, membership fees are significant as they can prevent future leaders being picked by unloyal labour party members and can stop leadership elections being jepordised.

Another feature of party funding is large donations from wealthy donors. These are a significant source of income, particulary for the conservatiev party. For example, Tony Blair’s labour government was criticised for accpeting a £1 million donation from Formula 1 Tycoon Bernie Ecclestone in 1997 and then giving formula 1 an exemption from the ban on tobacco advertising at sporting events. The 2000 politcal parties, elections and referndums act also ensured that donations over five thousand pounds must be declared to the electroal commison. Similarly, the 2009 polical parties and elections act (PPEA) increased the requiremnts for establishing the source of polictal donations. Politcal parties in great britan and northern ireland have reported accpeting over £12 million in donations and public funds in the first quater of 2022.
Another type of party funding is state funding.This is designed to counter financial advantage enjoyed by the party of government or parties with large funds. For example, one type of state funding is policy development granst (PDGs), here the govermet provides any party with two or more sitting MPs is alocated a share of a two million annual fund to help develop polices. However, some would argue this is unjust because smaller parties do not recieve the same amount of stae funding, instead thye are allocated funds according to how many seats they have in parliament and how many votes they won in the last election. For example, labour will get more state fudning than UKIP.

Question 31

Explain and analyse three Critismcms of the composition of the judiciary (9)

Answer 31

education, Oxbridge, ‘pro establishment’ decisions public don’t trust however unlike mps judges not representatives - chosen on merit . 11% of Supreme Court attended Oxbridge in 2022, 1% of population attended Oxbridge.
Gender, more women magistrate, diversity growing down the judiciary hierarchy. Chabge at top only happens as talent pool broadens further down. 2 women in 2021. 17% of Supreme Court yet women make up 51% of uk pop. Higher focus on getting women in higher education.
Ethnicity. Don’t reflect modern British society judges can’t understand cultural significance. However will increase. Little improvement in last decade such as UKSC . Not there to emphathise only to apply law naturally and professionally.

Question 32

Explain and analyse three ways that help to maintain judicial review independence in the uk 9 marks

Answer 32

security of tenure - judges appointed for open ended term limited only by retirement at 75. Politicians cannot seek to bring influence to bear threatening to sack judge
Guaranteed salaries paid from consolidated fund classified as standing service - politicians are not able manipulate, judges salaries cannot control them
Independent appointment system- Constitutional reform act 2005, JAC greater transparency, served to address concerns that system had been open to political bias

Question 33

Grants theory

Answer 33

Domain organisation- membership electoral influence competition for members
Resources- financial resources financial uncertainty organisational structure (hierarchy)
External environment- public opinion, snowdrop campaign, friends and fam of SL

Question 34

Rose theory- all about values

Answer 34

Values get accoeted
Values change over time
Opinions are divided
Cultural indifference
Attitudes shift away from groups

Question 35

Explain and analyse three features of outsider groups

Answer 35

• use of direct action and tactics. ALF and anti poll tax
  -Resources of state applied against them. Sheff trees/ Greenpeace
• want to / don’t want to be insider IPPR / old milverton village

Question 36

Explain and analyse three ways that pressure groups can influence the government

Answer 36

-lobbying. Bell pottinger and CBI
- insider status. ERT
- celebrity endorsement. Free school meals and Gurkha

Question 37

“Pressure groups play a crucial role in the uk democratic system” 25 marks

Answer 37

Yes- the pluralist interpretation is that pressure groups play an essential role in democracy as they allow different sections of society to have their views heard by govt and allow people to focus on issues that wouldn’t be their prime concern in an election - if something doesn’t win an election it’s stil important . Democratic participation not just every 5yrs. Makes govt better informed TO PREVENT UNIONS FROM STRIKING WITH LOW INTERNAL SUPPORT, THE TRADE UNION ACT 2016 INTRODUCED A MINIMUM TURNOUT OF 50% FOR STRIKE BALLOTS AND A 40% THRESHOLD OF SUPPORT FOR EMERGENCY SERVICES. STRIKES SHOULD NOW HAVE STRONGER DEMOCRATIC MANDATE WITHIN THE PRESSURE GROUP

the elitist interpretation is that pressure groups are undemocratic give a louder voice to powerful. Disadvantage if u cabt afford lobbyists and lawyers. Limited internal democracy. Pressure groups are unaccountable to the electorate. Exclude everything but one issue. THE NEW RIGHT INTERPRETATION , ASSOCIATED WITH THATHERCS TORY GOVT WAS THAT TRADE UNION STRIKES WERE AN ATTEMPT TO UBDERMINE THE DEMOCRATIC STATE

Question 38

Explain and analyse three features of outsider groups.

Answer 38

One feature of outsider groups is the use of direct action and tactics. For example the Animal liberation front. In 2006, campaigners stole the body of an elderly woman f0rom her grave due to her ties to a farm breeding guinea pigs, thus causing uproar and publicity. Similarly, the anti poll tax league, in 1990. 200,000 protesters gathered in london thus causing a day of violence, looting and rioting. However, this aspect of outsider groups is controversial because the rioters were successful in abolishing the poll tax which was replaced by the council tax , and arguably caused the downfall of thatcher. It suggests that civil obedience gets you the outcome you want. However these examples are in line with the dual state model which suggests that outsider groups focus on welfare and moral issues, in which the state has a less vested interest in, it suggests that there is a lot of evidence of pluralism in outsider groups, which is shown in the fact these campaigns acted as a check and balance t the government. Sim ilarly, their success is in line with the dual state model, as it suggest that groups campaign9ng on moral issues are more likely to be succesful and be heard than those campaigning on economic policy.

Another feature of outsider groups is that the resources of the state are often applied against them. For example, the save sheffield tress campaign was simply stated as ‘bonkers’ by micheal gove; communities secretary at the time, instead of being taken seriously. Police arrested 41 people in the 40 protests they attended, including elderly residents but no further action was taken. 5,600 perfectly healthy trees were removed and replaced between 2013-2018. However, this isnt always the case, outsider groups like Greenpeace are often heard by the government. Despite the level of disruption caused by greenpeace protesters, the government changed their attitudes towards carbon emissions and the 2017 tory government announced their plans for a lower carbon economy and there is now widespread support for green energy. Similarly, its campaign against microbeads, found in products such as toothpastes, succeeded when the government announced their banning in 2017.
Another feature of outsider groups is that they are often aiming for insider status. Sometimes, the group is waiting for a different political climate, such as a change in government. For example, the IPPR (institute for public policy research) gained insider status upon the election of the labour government in 1988, before this it had always been an outside group. However, this is not always the case, and is not a significant feature. For example the residents in Old MIlverton village set up a pressure group in october 1997 to prevent the siting of a telecommunications tower. Thus, the group was only set up on a temporary basis to fight against a local particular planning proposal, and never aimed to achieved insider status, and was equally never likely to. Similarly, the CND (campaign for nuclear disarmament) has been a recognised pressure group since 1987 but no major political party has ever supported their aims, and so hasnt been able to get insider status. Therefore, some groups don’t get insider status simply because they are ideologically opposed to the system.

Question 39

Explain and analyse three features of insider groups

Answer 39

One feature of insider groups is that they are regularly consulted by government departments. An example of a high profile insider group is the CBI (confederation of british industry). The CBI has a high impact in policy support and was declared by the financial times as “britain’s biggest lobby group” and it speaks for around 190,000 businesses. It successfully campaigned for a third runway at heathrow, despite opposition form environmentalist groups and also successfully lobbied for reductions on corporation taxes. Therefore, the CBI shows how having insider status within the government makes a group highly influential. This is in line with the dual state model which suggests that insider groups focus on economic andd financial issues, in which the state has a vested interest in. The dual model states that insider groups have a lot of evidence of elitism, this is true as sectional groups like the CBI have a total influence on th egovenrment due to sectre lobbying- a key part of elitimm. Similarly, representatives form the police force and teachers unions often attend regularly meetings with mps and civil servant over potential changes to law and order that are in discussion.
Another feature of insider groups are the ‘core insiders’. These are insider groups that have a stong 2 way relationship with the government over a broad range of issues. One of the most respected insider groups is the BMA (british medical association). The BMA acts as a trade union for doctors and consists of over 160,00o doctors and medical studnets. They have influence on government policies, for example in 1991 they made it mandatory for all car occupants to wear a seatbelr, they campaigned from 2002-2007 for the banning of smoking in public areas, and they pushed through the 2018 sugar tax on fizzy drinks. This shows the status of insider groups, there are so influential that the government often calls on them for advice, and they can achieve almost all their aims through this status. However, the BMAs failed junior doctor strikes, in which the government did not back down, portrayed the BMA to be less effective as an interest r group because the government still enforced the new contracts in october b2016. However, this failure to obtain a pay rise for junior doctors is lso in line with the dual state model, which suggests that groups are more likely to be successful and be heard when campaigig oon moral issues, opposed to economic issues.
Another feature of insider groups are the peripheral insiders. For example, The dogs trust. These are groups which are rarely called upon but merely have the status due to the nature of their cuade. These groups are considered legitimate by the government, thus given access to the decision makers. The peripheral insiders vary from government to government depending on their ideological orientation. For example, labours government of 1970 included representatives form the trade unions, whether thatchers government definitely did not. This shows how being an insider group doesnt guarantee that you have power over laws and does not receive any government funding, but it dtil puts the organisation in a more advantageous position.

Question 40

Explain and analyse three factors that explain why some pressure groups are less successful than others (9)

Answer 40

One factor that makes pressur egroups less successful is the lack of wealth and financial resources, in line with Grant’s theory that resources, alongside domin organisation and external environment are key to success why CBI so influential - buy influence also bell pottinger . eg celebrity endorsement. For example, the gurhka justice campaign wasnt an issue before t he 2004 general election, then the labour government under tony blair changed the policies so that gurhka veterans who retired e997 could settle in britain. This was largely d=to do with the endorsement and publicisng done by joanna lumley. However, despite lumley bring a massive help in getting jaqui smith the then home secretary to make a u turn and change the law, the british gurhka welfare society claim that lumleys campaign was a disaster and left elderly and inform gurhkas in poor living conditions, who could barely speak english and were rleying on state handouts to survive. A less critiscised example of how celebrity endorsement makes a pressure group more successful is that ot marcus rahsford, in 2020 the government had decided not ot provide free school meals in the school holidays, rashrof wrote an open letter and partnered with the pressure groups involved in the campaign, freeserve, nspcc, child poverty action group, he walos met with senior minister slike boriss johnson. Therefore, the lack of such endorsement makes it harder for a pressure group to be successful because they are less publicised and funded. This fits into the ideology of grants theory; which states that a group can only be successful with resources, a good external environment and domain organisation. The save sheffield trees campaign did not have a good external environment, instead of being endorsed it was simply declared by micheal gove, the then foreign secretary as ‘bonkers’. Therefore it wasnt successful in achieving its aims, and 5600 healthy trees were cut down and replaced between 2013-2018.
Another factor which makes the pressure groups less successful is the issue not being emotive.The dual state model suggests that groups campaigning over moral issues are more likely to be succesful and listened to than groups campaigning on economic matters. The stephen lawrence campaign was successful becaud it uncovered the insituitonalised racism and had the support of the publoic, therefore it was successful in reforming the double jeopardy, why involved rights that have been set since magna carta in 1215, and it also led to the new race and relations act of 200. Similary, the snowdrop campaign was extremely emotive, thereofrem it had sympathetic media coverage and led to the forearm amendments act of 1987. However, the pressur egroup called ‘keep sundays special’ has been campaigning since 1985 and still has not reached its end aim due to the lack of public interest. Making sunday a holy day again is not attractive for most because it will damage the economy and make life incnvinet, as no shops wull be open onnsudnay once again. therefore it fits into the orse theory, which state sthat in order for a pressure group to be successful, its values must be accepted, and here they are not, and there is also elements of cultural indfence.

Another feature of what makes a pressure group more or less successful is the government era. This is in line with rose theory, that values shift over time. For example, the post war consensus encouraged sectional groups, and the government heavily relied on the CBI/TUC. However, when thatcher became pm, she stated “i am not a consensus politician. I am a conviction politician” and the end of the post war consnsus led to an increase in cause groups, perhaps due to the weak labour opposition, followd by the weak tory opposition to blair. For example, the caus egroup Charter 88 became more polpolar; this campaigns for a also think tanks became more used, such as the adam smith insituie. Therefore the government era affects how successful a pressure grop will be. For example, a cause group in the post war consenus would have not been as succesful as a sectional group.

Question 41

Explain and ana;lyse three ways that pressure groups can influence govt.

Answer 41

One way in which pressure groups influence the government is through lobbying. For example, in 2011 undovercover journlats unveiled that the chief lobbyist at the lobbying firm bell pottinger had persuaded the prime minister,then david cameron, raised concerns over copyright infringement on behalf of dyson while meeting with leaders in china. Similarly, the confederation of british industry (CBI) was described by the financial times as “britains biggest business lobby group” and successfully lobbied for reducations in corporation tax and lobbied for a third runway at heathrow. However, lobbying from pressure groups can have a positive influence on the government; stonewall employed professional lobbyists to help reverse the anti-discriminatory legislation. Therefore, lobbying is a crucial way for pressure groups to have influence on the government.
Another way pressure groups can influence the government is by having insider status. Groups such as the european round table of industrialists (ERT) consists of around 50 european leaders and thus works on both national and international levels. Due to the sheer size and power within the ERT, it tends to have a strong influence on the government. Their recommendations in their reports are alsmot all adressed, for example, the ert has successfully lead to the enlarging of the sixe of the eu; the increased pension contributions of employees; reduced corporation tax across the uk and established the G8.
Another way that pressure groups can have an influence on the government is by gaining celebrity endorsement. For example, the free school meal extension campaign during the holidays of 2020 gained the support of markus rashford, who worked with pressure groups like Fare Share, the child poverty action group and NSPCC. Before his endorsement, the government had decided not to provide free school meals during the school holidays, However, upon marcus rahsfords open letter urging mps to reverse the decision, he met withsenior poliitcans such as boris johnson. The campaign reuslgted in high profile u-turns as the government reversed their decision and announced that free school meals would run in the school holidays of 2020. Si ilary, the gurhka justice campaign was not an issue before the2004 general election. In 2008, the actress joanna lumley became the public face of the gurhka justice campaign to provide all gurhka veterans who served in the british army before 1997 the right to settle in britain and ran a high successful and publicsed media campaign. The campaign benefitted from her efforts and in an abrupt u-turn of government policy, home secretary jaqui smith announced that all gurhka veterans who served before 1997 would be allowed to settle in britain. Therefore, celebrity endorsement is a key way to influcnece the government. However, the british gurhka welfare society (BGWS) argues that lumleys campaign was a total disaster and it had resulted in thousands of elderlyand infrim gurhka pesnioners who couldnt speak english living in poor living accommodations and relyimng on state handouts to live.

Question 42

Explain influences on parliament

Answer 42

One feature on government and parliament is think tanks. Think tanks are organisations that exist purely to develop new policies. They are especially influential in recent years given tony blair increased the use of think tanks. #
Another feature of influence on government and politics is lobbyists. These are political operatives who are paid to influence the government. Lobbying in the uk has grown in uk over last 2 decades - over 100 lobbying firms in uk.
Another feature on the influence og government and parliament ix the media. Governmdents are scrtutinisde by the media and are keen to attract positive reports. Government ministers often have close relationshipsx and personal links with key figures in the media. For example, in 2012 the close friendship between pm david cameron and rebekah brooks was revealed. She is former editor of world news and the sun. 2017- corbyns policies, personality and leaderhsip was widely criticisded by media, may was weakened by her refusal to join in televised debates, the sun was tory and labour used media to counteract the negative publicit from traditional media- used social instead. 1997- new labour had a proactive approach to media, balir went to australia before becoming leader to ask murdoch , sun switched to labour. Spin doctors managed labours interactions with meid ato ensure it was ‘on message’