Influences On Parliament

Question 1

Political (explain and example)

Answer 1

Government sets the timetable and chooses the government bills-
The hunting act 2004 followed the promise by the Labour Party to outlaw fox hunting if elected

Question 2

Political (advantages)

Answer 2

Democratic- elected representatives choosing

Efficient as government bills are passed swiftly

Question 3

Political (disadvantages)

Answer 3

Next elected government may disagree with laws and change them
Small majorities lead to coalition governments

Question 4

Public media (explain and example)

Answer 4

Governments want to be re-elected
May bend to public opinion and pressure from the media
Following the Dunblane massacre in 1996 private ownership of handguns was banned

Question 5

Public media (advantages)

Answer 5

Parliament can respond to specific opinions

Question 6

Public media (disadvantages)

Answer 6

Immediate responses can create bad laws

Public opinions can be manipulated

Question 7

Pressure groups (explain and example)

Answer 7

Created to pursue a specific interest
Sectional groups can support particular causes
These groups can lobby parliament

Question 8

Pressure groups (advantages)

Answer 8

Often raise important issues on a wide variety of themes

Question 9

Pressure groups (disadvantages)

Answer 9

Different groups can be in conflict

Question 10

Law reform bodies (explain)

Answer 10

Law commissions tasked with researching areas of law and recommending changes

Question 11

Law reform bodies (advantages)

Answer 11

Researched by experts
Consults widely
Considers whole areas of law
Makes laws easier to understand

Question 12

Law reform bodies (disadvantages)

Answer 12

Lack of parliamentary time

Many proposals are not enacted