Influences on parliament

Question 1

Explain the political influence on parliament

Answer 1

Political parties have manifestos setting out their policies,
the party with the most MPs in HoC form the basis for new laws based on their manifesto.

Question 2

Explain the Public opinion/Media influence on parliament

Answer 2

The government is known to have take into the public opinion on particular matters

Media is largely responsible for bringing issues to the public attention

Question 3

Explain Pressure groups influence on parliament

Answer 3

Pressure groups represent a particular interest and try to persuade the government to change the law

Question 4

What are cause and sectional pressure groups?

Answer 4

Cause pressure groups promote a particular case e.g. Greenpeace

Sectional pressure groups represent the interests of a particular section of society or profession

Question 5

Explain Lobbyists influence on parliament

Answer 5

Individuals, businesses and charities can still try to persuade individual MPs

If lobbyists do persuade MPs in may results in a private members bill being introduced or a question being asked.

Question 6

What are the advantages of political influences on parliament?

Answer 6

What is introduced in the manifesto should be implemented.

So, the government in power represents the general publics wants as they are the electorate

Question 7

What are the advantages of Public/Media influences on parliament?

Answer 7

The Public can influence changes in the law

The uk has a free press so can criticise the government openly (independent)

Question 8

What are the advantages of Pressure groups influence on parliament?

Answer 8

• Some pressure groups have larger memberships that political parties
• Pressure groups can also raise public and even government awareness of certain issues

Question 9

What are the advantages of Lobbyists influence on parliament?

Answer 9

• Lobbyists bring issues to the attention of MPs
• Professional lobbyists are particularly effective
• anyone has the ability to lobby and MP

Question 10

What are the disadvantages of political influence on parliament?

Answer 10

• New government can repeal laws that the previous government passed
• When government has a small majority or there is a coalition government then it can be more difficult to have laws passed

Question 11

What are the disadvantages of Public/Media influences on parliament?

Answer 11

• The government may have knee-jerk reactions to certain events e.g. Dangerous dogs act 1991, the media can manipulate the news

Question 12

What are the disadvantages of pressure groups on parliament?

Answer 12

• Pressure groups have their own agenda and the public may not support their views
• There can be pressure groups with conflicting interests e.g. fox hunting ban

Question 13

What are the disadvantages of Lobbying on parliament?

Answer 13

Lobbying can lead to abuse of process with the potential for bribery and corruption