Describe advantages and disadvantages of influences on Parliament (12) Flashcards
(12 cards)
Summarise ADV+DISADV of influences on parliament
✅ Advantages
1. Awareness of Issues
• Helps the government know about problems it might ignore.
• Examples:
• Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 – public/media pressure.
• Sarah’s Law – media and public campaign.
• Voyeurism Act 2019 – individual pressure from Gina Martin.
• Consumer Rights Act 2015 – Law Commission report.
2. Expertise
• Brings expert knowledge MPs may not have.
• Law Commission and groups like the British Medical Association or ASH (smoking laws) help with facts.
• Members of the House of Lords can also have expert backgrounds.
3. Democracy
• Public can try to influence the law (free speech, voting).
• Parties have a mandate from the people to follow their manifestos.
• Example: 2019 Conservative promise to “Get Brexit Done.”
4. Success
• Many campaigns have led to real legal changes.
• Examples:
• Hunting Act 2004 – pressure groups.
• Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997 – Snowdrop Campaign & public support.
• Law Commission reforms like Coroners and Justice Act 2009.
⸻
❌ Disadvantages
1. Knee-Jerk Reactions
• Laws passed too fast after a big event can be poorly written.
• Example: Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 was rushed after media outcry.
2. Bias
• Campaigns and media often show only one side.
• Hard to reflect everyone’s opinion in a diverse society.
• Example: Newspapers like the Daily Mail often show a Conservative bias.
3. Conflicting Views
• Groups may disagree with each other.
• Example: League Against Cruel Sports vs. Countryside Alliance over foxhunting law.
4. No Guarantee of Change
• Government can ignore influence and do what it wants.
• Example: Fathers 4 Justice still haven’t achieved their goals.
• A strong government might risk being unpopular.
5. Bad Behaviour
• Some groups or lobbyists go too far.
• Examples:
• Extinction Rebellion and Countryside Alliance protested illegally.
• Cash for Questions Scandal (1994) – lobbyists paid MPs.
6. Law Commission Issues
• Not enough time in Parliament for pure law reform (priority on health, budget, etc.).
• Process is slow – years to finish reports.
• Investigates many topics at once, so things move slowly.
• Government doesn’t have to accept the reforms, even if they are good.
What is one big advantage of public/media/pressure group influence?
It helps the government see issues it might ignore.
Example: Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, Sarah’s Law, Voyeurism Act 2019.
What’s a danger of passing laws after public/media pressure?
The government may act too fast (knee-jerk), causing poorly written laws.
Example: Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.
How does expertise help in law making?
Experts like the Law Commission or British Medical Association give useful knowledge MPs may not have.
What’s a problem with relying on pressure groups or media?
They can be biased and only show one point of view.
Example: Daily Mail supports Conservatives.
Why is it democratic to allow public influence?
People can freely speak, vote, and support causes.
Example: Government acts on its manifesto promises.
What’s a downside of democracy in law making?
Different groups have conflicting opinions.
Example: Countryside Alliance vs. League Against Cruel Sports.
What is an advantage of influence on law success?
Many campaigns have worked.
Example: Hunting Act 2004, Firearms Act 1997, Consumer Rights Act 2015.
Why doesn’t public or media influence always work?
Government can choose to ignore campaigns.
Example: Fathers 4 Justice hasn’t achieved legal change.
What is a risk of lobbyist/pressure group behaviour?
Some break the law.
Examples: Extinction Rebellion protests, “Cash for Questions” scandal.
What’s a disadvantage of the Law Commission’s process?
It’s slow, works on too many things, and the government doesn’t have to follow its advice.
Why is there little time for “pure law” reforms in Parliament?
Parliament focuses more on big issues like budget, NHS, education, and Brexit.
