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17 Cards in this Set
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Public Opinion |
PUBLIC OPINION can be an influence on the government, particularly when a general electionis imminent. |
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Snow Drop campaign |
The Snowdrop Campaign was set up in response to public horror after theDunblane school massacre in 1996, and it resulted in the banning of handguns under the Firearms (Amendment) Act 1997, following the recommendations of the Cullen Public Inquiry set up in response to public opinion. |
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Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 |
The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 followed public outcry after a series of attacks on children by dogs. Public opinion and the media feed offeach other. |
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Name and Shame |
For example, following public outcry, and the News of the World's "Name and Shame" campaign in 2000 concerning paedophiles, 'Sarah's law' was passed requiring the police to keep a register of convicted paedophiles. |
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Media's affect |
THE MEDIA and public opinion feed off each other, and campaigns have used television, radio, the internet, newspapers and social media to lead to law reform. |
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Pressure Groups |
PRESSURE GROUPS bring matters they are interested in to the attention of the public and thegovernment. |
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Sectional pressure groups |
Sectional pressure groups represent the interests of a particular group ofpeople, such as the British Medical Association which represents doctors, and Trade Unions which represent different types of workers. They are "insider groups" and are more likely to influence the government as they represent large and/or powerful groups. |
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Examples of pressure groups |
Cause pressure groups represent a particular cause such as Greenpeace (environment), and Extinction Rebellion (environment). They are "outsider groups" and are less influential. Other examples of the government changing the law due to a pressure group are: the League Against Cruel Sports and the passing of the Hunting Act 2004 which banned foxhunting. |
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Lobbying |
The phrase "lobbying" comes from the gathering of MPs and peers in the corridors (lobbies) of Parliament before and after debates. |
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Successful lobbying |
If successful, an MP may be persuaded to ask questions in Parliament about an issue, or tointroduce a Private Members' Bill with a view to reforming the law. It is estimated that some MPs are approached over 100 times a week by lobbyists. |
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Lobbying example |
In 2017, it was revealed by GreenPeace that the government cut its recycling target, thanks to lobbying from the plastics industry. |
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Professional lobbying |
Most lobbying is done by professional lobbyists on behalf of businesses and pressure groupsincluding trade unions and charities. The professional lobbying industry in 2007 was estimated to be worth £1.9 billion, employing 14,000 people. |
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First political influence(Manifesto) |
Firstly, before a general election all the political parties publish a manifesto listing the law reforms they would carry out if elected as the next government. The party with the most MPs after a general election becomes the government, which then should bring in the promised reforms as Acts of Parliament. |
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Manifesto example |
An example is the 2019 Conservative Party promising to "get Brexit done". Manifesto promises are not alwayskept - Teresa May has abandoned the 2015 Conservative party manifesto promise of repealing the Human Rights Act 1998. |
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Second political influence(King's speech) |
Secondly, at the opening of each session of Parliament the government announces its plansfor new laws in the Queen's Speech, which is written for the Queen by the Prime Minister and other senior ministers. |
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Third political influence(Back bencher) |
Thirdly, A Private Members' Bill is a Public Bill sponsored by an individual MP who is not partof the government, known as a "backbencher". Each parliamentary session has a ballot in which 20 MPs are selected who can present a Bill to Parliament. |
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Example of private member's bill |
Very few Private Members'Bills become law, but a notable example is the Abortion Act 1967 which legalised abortion,introduced by David Steel MP. |
