Influences on Parliament

Question 1

What types of influence are there?

Answer 1

Political
Media
Pressure Groups

Question 2

Political

Answer 2

When a general election is called, parties publish a manifesto, which are promises of the new laws they will introduce.

Question 3

Example of political influence?

Answer 3

Hunting Act 2004

Question 4

Advantage of political influence?

Answer 4

Each party has its proposals ready

Question 5

Disadvantages of political influence?

Answer 5

Difficult to fulfil the promise.

Question 6

Media

Answer 6

When there is strong public opinion about an issue, the government may bow to it

Question 7

Example of media influence?

Answer 7

Following Dunblane massacre, handguns banned

Question 8

Advantage of media influence?

Answer 8

UK’s free press is able to criticise government policy or bring any other issue to the attention of the government using public opinion

Question 9

Disadvantages of media influence?

Answer 9

Responding too quickly to high profile incidents lead to poorly drafted laws.
Media can influence public opinion

Question 10

Pressure groups

Answer 10

Represent the interests of a particular group of people
or
Promote a particular cause

Question 11

Example of pressure group influence

Answer 11

Laws against smoking in public were introduced due to public and medical opinion.

Question 12

Advantage of pressure group influence

Answer 12

Often bring important scientific discoveries to government’s attention

Question 13

Disadvantages of pressure group influence

Answer 13

Sometimes there are conflicting interests

Question 14

Who is the main UK’s law reform body?

Answer 14

Law Commission