A03 Influences On Parliament

Question 1

Strength of Pressure Groups

Answer 1

• Bring a variety of issues to governments attention
• They are experts in their field so have better ideas and result in better laws
• Complies with ROL + Sep of Powers and democracy as everyone’s ideas are heard

Question 2

Weakness of Pressure Groups

Answer 2

-Different groups have conflicting ideas
- Can have the opposite effect if expressed in obtrusive ways e.g sitting in road
- The resulting laws may only represent a minority of the population -> ROL unequal

Question 3

Strength of Public Opinion/Media

Answer 3

• Social media use is very high
• Has a greater influence so people’s views reach a wider audience and gain traction
• Government also gets a clear picture of the public’s views
• Shows democracy and keeps government in check

Question 4

Weakness of Public Opinion/Media

Answer 4

• The Government can manipulate the media with Propaganda
• Promotes a dictatorship -> contradicting sep of powers
• Social media can also be used to spread harmful views e.g. racism

Question 5

Strength of Lobbyists

Answer 5

• Effective way to have issues heard in Parliament
• Anyone can do it, can also hire a professional lobbyist to be more effective
• Complies ROL -> equal

Question 6

Weakness of Lobbyists

Answer 6

• Not everyone lives in/near London
• Less accessible for those people (ROL)
• Only wealthy people can hire professional lobbyists and MP’s can be bribed with money

Question 7

Strength of Political Influences

Answer 7

• The government has the majority of votes/seats so they will have stronger influence
• Most laws they suggest will be passed
• (H) limits democracy, dictatorship

Question 8

Weakness of Political Influences

Answer 8

• New government’s may reverse old one’s decisions
• Wastes time (18 months)
• (ROL -> uncertain)