Influences On Parliamentary Law Making

Question 1

Political influence

Answer 1

The governments manifesto(a list of promises), 5 years to carry it out, majority seats becomes the government-European union act 2015

Question 2

Political advantages

Answer 2

Demonstrates democratic accountability, parties proposals are clear and ready so people know what will happen if they vote for them, government has majority in HOC manning. Every law they propose will be passed so law making process is efficient

Question 3

Political influence disadvantages

Answer 3

Difficult to fulfil promises without an overall majority, if crisis occurs government focus will take measures to deal with crisis, political party with majority seats can force through their policy proposals, gov with small majority:difficult/impossible to change law

Question 4

The media

Answer 4

The public can demand new laws. usually supported by media campaigns, via TV,radio,newspapers,social media, influence government by picking up and add weight to the public opinion or bring issue to public’s attention

Question 5

The media advantages

Answer 5

Uks free press is able to criticise governments policy, bring attention to issues important to the public by raising public awareness, raise awareness on individual issues, represent minority interests

Question 6

Media disadvantages

Answer 6

New can be easily manipulated, sources are not alway reliable, newspaper sensationalise an issue to expand their readership, no regulation on expression of view on social media

Question 7

Public opinion

Answer 7

Public opinion frequently favours either legalising or banning of a particular matter often in response to controversial events.

Question 8

Public opinion advantages

Answer 8

Demonstrates democratic accountability,giving voice to people, enables legislation to keep up with changes in society

Question 9

Public opinion disadvantages

Answer 9

Responding too quickly to high profile incidents can lead to badly drafted law-dangerous dogs act 1991

Question 10

Pressure groups

Answer 10

Organisations that seek to influence the direction of law and policy on the basis of particular interests or causes. Cause group: campaign on a particular issue. Interests group: represent the interests of a specified membership

Question 11

Pressure groups advantages

Answer 11

Bring advertise,important scientific discoveries to the governments attention,draw attention to minority issues, often raise important issues

Question 12

Pressure groups disadvantages

Answer 12

Not reflective on the population as a whole, can have conflicting/competing interests

Question 13

Lobbyists

Answer 13

Companies acting on behalf of businesses,big charities,pressure groups, target individual members of parliament to support their cause

Question 14

Lobyists advantages

Answer 14

Backbench MP can use the private members bill can use private trying to reform the law how a pressure group wants, greater expense and influence, if successful may be taken by government and laws introduced

Question 15

Lobbyists disadvantages

Answer 15

A bill introduced by one MP is unlikely to get passed without widespread support, can be unsuccessful or have a delayed response, government ministers may be unwilling to deal with requests

Question 16

The law commission

Answer 16

An independent body to review the law and propose reform