Influences On Parliamentry Law Making

Question 1

Political Influence

Answer 1

The Governments Manifesto
-Publishes a programme of policies and reforms it wants to carry out, persuade people to vote
-Gov has the five years of parliament to fullfill their promises
-Kings speech, legislation planned for each year
-European Union Referendum Act 2015

Question 2

Advantages of Political Influence

Answer 2

-Gov has a majority in the House of Commons which means that’s every law they propose will be passed, making it efficient
-Each parties proposals are clear as ready so people know what will happen if they vote for them
-Demonstrates democratic accountability

Question 3

Disadvantages of Political Influence

Answer 3

-Difficult to fulfil promises, particularly without an overall majority, 2010 Lib Dem and Coalition re tuition fees
-If crisis occurs, Covid 19, gov will focus on that, differs from manifesto promises
-Political party with majority seats can force their policy proposals through
-Gov with small majority, impossible to change law

Question 4

The Media

Answer 4

The public can demand new laws, usually encouraged or supported by media campaigns

Question 5

Advantages of Media

Answer 5

• UKs free press is able to criticise government policy
• Can bring attention to important issues by raising public awareness
• Can represent minority interests
• Raise awareness on individual issues

Question 6

Disadvantages of Media

Answer 6

-News can be easily manipulated
-Sources not always reliable
-Newspapers sensationalise an issue to expand their readership
-No regulations 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 a controversial event
-Dangerous Dogs Act 1991
-Sarahs Law

Question 8

Advantages of Public Opion

Answer 8

-Demonstrates democratic accountability giving a voice to the people
-Enables legislation to keep up with changes in society

Question 9

Disadvantages of Public Opinion

Answer 9

-Responding too quickly to high profile cases can lead to poorly drafted law, Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

Question 10

Pressure Groups

Answer 10

Organisation who seek to influence the direction of law and policy on the basis of particular interests or causes
-Cause Groups, campaign on a particular issue
-Interest Groups, represent the interests of a specified membership

Question 11

Advantages of Pressure Groups

Answer 11

-Bring expertise, important scientific discoveries to the gods attention
-Draw attention to minority causes
-Raise important issues

Question 12

Disadvantages of Pressure Groups

Answer 12

-Not reflective of the population on a whole
-Can have conflicting or competing interests

Question 13

Lobbyists

Answer 13

Companies acting on behalf of businesses, big charities and other Organisations. Target individuals members of parliament to support their cause.
Enterprise Act 2016

Question 14

Advantages of Lobbyists

Answer 14

-A backbench MP can use the private members bill session to introduce a bill trying to reform the law how the pressure group wants
-Greater expertise and influence
-If successful may be taken by gov and laws introduced

Question 15

Disadvantages of Lobbyists

Answer 15

-A bill introduced by one MP is unlikely to be passed without widespread support
-Can still 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 a reform
E.g