Influences On Parlimentary Law Making

Question 1

Name the 5 influences on parliamentary law making

Answer 1

1. Political influence
2. Public opinion
3. The media
4. pressure groups
5. Lobbyists

Question 2

Give an example of political influence and one time it’s been put in place.

Answer 2

An example of political influence is a governments manifesto. This is a programme of policies and reforms a party wants to carry out. An example of manifesto commitment is “European referendum act 2015” which discussed whether the United Kingdom should continue to be a part of the European Union.

Question 3

Give a definition of public opinion and one time it’s been put in place.

Answer 3

When the public demand new laws, usually encouraged or supported by media campaigns.

Forced marriage (civil protection) act 2007. which passed in response to media coverage of and concerns about forced marriage in some communities.

Question 4

Define “the media” and give an example of a law passed in response to the media.

Answer 4

The media is information delivered to the public via tv, radio, newspapers, social media.

For example, Sarah’s law was passed which allows people to formally ask police if someone who has access to a child in on the sex offenders register.

Question 5

Define “pressure groups” and give an example of a law passed in response to pressure groups.

Answer 5

Pressure groups are split into 2. Interest groups and cause groups.

Interest groups represent interest of specified membership. Such as trade unions which represents workers

Cause groups campaign on a particular issue. Examples include Amnesty international which campaigns against the use of torture. An example of this working is the hunting act 2004

Question 6

Define lobbyists and give an example of an act that has passed because of lobbyists.

Answer 6

The term “lobbyists” refers to companies who act on behalf of businesses, big charities and pressure group. They use their access to an MP or government minister to persuade them to amend the law.

An example of this working is the enterprise act 2016 which capped the maximum salary for public sector workers following pressure from pressure groups.