Influences on Parliament Flashcards
What are the influences on Parliament?
- media
- lobbying
- political influences
- pressure groups
What is the main influencing force?
The media
What does the media do?
Both represents public opinion and attempts to influence it
Why is the media the main influencing force?
designed to influence large numbers of people as they use a wide range of services to spread information, many of which are free of charge
Examples of services used by media to spread information
- radio
- TV
- newspapers
Example of when the media was used
- Snowdrop Campaign wanted to ban handguns
- led to the Firearms Act 1997
Why does the media reinforce ideas more than influence them?
People tend to only believe media platforms that support their existing opinions and will recognise bias more in media that does not
Forms of lobbying
- Meetings
- Writing messages
- Surveys or petitions to show wide support
What does lobbying involve?
Trying to persuade a government minister or department into promoting their interest or cause
Example of lobbying being effective
- British Medical Association
- resulted in the ban on smoking in public places
What is a manifesto?
- a list of the party’s promises and suggestions of new/reformed laws
- can adopt campaigns
Two main types of pressure groups
- sectional
- cause
What are sectional pressure groups?
Represent the interests of a group of people, such as workers’ groups or professions
Examples of sectional pressure groups
- Trade unions
- The Law Society
What are cause pressure groups?
exist to promote a particular cause
Examples of cause pressure groups
- Environmental
- animal welfare
- human rights
Example of a cause pressure group being an effective influence
- The League Against Cruel Sports
- led to the Hunting Act 2004
Trade unions are most influential under what party?
Labour party
What type of pressure group is most influential under the Labour party?
Trade unions
Which pressure groups are more successful often depend on what?
The elected party
What type of pressure group is most influential under the Conservative party?
Business groups
What type of group tends to be the most influential?
Professional groups
Why do professional groups tend to be the most influential?
They usually consist of wealthy, well-educated individuals
Example of a professional group
The Law Commission
