Democracy & Participation Flashcards
(22 cards)
Think-Tanks, Lobbyists, & Pressure Groups DO have Impact - What is an example of a pressure group successfully influencing law?
The Snowdrop Campaign led to tighter gun control laws after the Dunblane Massacre (1996).
Think-Tanks, Lobbyists, & Pressure Groups DO have Impact - How do lobbyists shape government policy?
They can lobby the government to secure favourable policy changes.
Think-Tanks, Lobbyists, & Pressure Groups DO have Impact - What is an example of lobbyist influence?
The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) influenced Brexit economic negotiations.
Think-Tanks, Lobbyists, & Pressure Groups DO have Impact - What example shows public campaigns influencing legislation?
MeToo and domestic violence groups helped shape the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
Think-Tanks, Lobbyists, & Pressure Groups DON’T have Impact - Why does the government’s own agenda limit group influence?
Governments are mainly driven by their own policy goals.
Think-Tanks, Lobbyists, & Pressure Groups DON’T have Impact - What is an example of a government ignoring pressure group resistance?
The Cameron government pursued austerity policies (2010–2016) despite protests.
Think-Tanks, Lobbyists, & Pressure Groups DON’T have Impact - What is an example of failed lobbying efforts?
The Greensill scandal (2021) – David Cameron lobbying Rishi Sunak’s Treasury for financial assistance failed.
Think-Tanks, Lobbyists, & Pressure Groups DON’T have Impact - What is an example of a pressure group being ignored?
The British Medical Association’s calls for NHS staff pay rises were rejected, leading to 2023 strikes.
Pressure groups More Significant for Human Rights - What is an example of a pressure group influencing legislation?
The Snowdrop Campaign (1996) led to stricter gun control through the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997.
Pressure groups More Significant for Human Rights - What is an example of pressure groups influencing public debate?
Extinction Rebellion (XR) pressured the government to declare a climate emergency in 2019.
Pressure groups More Significant for Human Rights - How have pressure groups used legal cases to promote rights?
They have challenged discriminatory laws through campaigns and litigation.
Pressure groups More Significant for Human Rights - What is an example of a legal campaign promoting rights?
Stonewall’s campaign helped repeal Section 28 in 2003, supporting LGBTQ+ rights.
Government legislation More Significant for Human Rights - Why are legal rights protections mainly government-led?
Only governments can enshrine rights into binding national law.
Government legislation More Significant for Human Rights - What is an example of government providing a legal framework for rights?
The Human Rights Act 1998 incorporated the ECHR into UK law.
Government legislation More Significant for Human Rights - What is an example of government-led rights advancement for social reform?
The Same-Sex Marriage Act 2013 legalised same-sex marriage.
Government legislation More Significant for Human Rights - What example shows pressure groups conflicting over rights?
Pro-life and pro-choice groups advocate opposing views on abortion, while government legislation (e.g., the Abortion Act 1967) maintains balance.
Why does parliamentary sovereignty allow MPs to ignore referendum results and manifestos?
Because MPs are not legally bound by referendums or manifestos.
Example: In the 2016 Brexit referendum, some MPs like Ken Clarke voted against triggering Article 50 despite Leave majorities in their constituencies.
How can manifesto promises be overridden by changing circumstances?
Manifesto promises are not legally enforceable, and MPs must adapt to new circumstances.
Example: In 2019, the Conservative manifesto promised no tax rises, but National Insurance contributions were raised in 2021 due to COVID-19 pressures.
Why are MPs described as representatives rather than delegates?
MPs are expected to use their own judgment rather than simply follow constituents’ wishes.
Example: In 2019, many Labour MPs in Leave-voting constituencies opposed Brexit legislation, prioritising long-term interests.
How does ignoring referendum results undermine democracy and public trust?
It is seen as ignoring the “will of the people” and causes backlash against MPs.
Example: After the 2016 Brexit referendum, MPs who attempted to block or delay Brexit faced significant public anger.
How can MPs ignoring manifesto pledges create political instability?
It can lead to party divisions and electoral defeat.
Example: Labour’s internal Brexit conflicts (2016–2019) contributed to their heavy defeat in the 2019 general election.
How do referendums and manifestos support participatory democracy?
They reflect direct promises to voters and are part of democratic engagement.
Example: The 2011 Fixed-term Parliaments Act fulfilled a pledge from the Liberal Democrat-Conservative coalition agreement.
