Influences on parliamentry law making

Political influences

Laws are passed in parliament and that is done most effectively after winning an election so holding a majority in the commons.

Parties publish a manifesto that are used to attract voters which include law reforms they will institute upon election.

Other factors include public sentiment, own beliefs, party politics, and opinion polls

Advantages of this influence

As the party with the largest majority can pass legislation more easily the majority of the public has their views passed. Maximum happiness.

The bill can be altered after discussion in the HOC and HOL to make it better or make more people happy

Manifestos allow the public to see what a party sees as the main issues prior to an election

Disadvantages of political influence

New governments can repeal or reform laws passed by the previous government leading to piecemeal reforms

Too large a majority in the commons can mean a party can force through whatever it wants without listening to criticism

Too small a majority in the commons can lead to reforms stalling and a weak or paralysed government

Influence of media and public interest on law making

News, radio, social media and TV all can put pressure on the government to look into an issue more keenly or to introduce a new law. The media is mostly a reflection of majority public opinion on an issue.

Advantages of media influences

Media raises awareness increasing public discussion of issues and pressure for change

Public opinion being shared acts a protection of democracy

Forces parliament to introduce legislation or fast track issues that affect many people

Disadvantages of media influence

Media can carry political bias obscuring the facts

Ownership of the media as many are owned by large conglomerates dictated by a few people who use them as tools for their own interest

Mistakes are often made by the papers like the name and shame campaign that ruined many peoples lives

Parliament can move too fast leading to bad legislation like the dangerous dogs act

Influence of pressure groups on law making

Pressure groups advocate for certain issues. They are either sectional or cause meaning focusing on a sector or focusing on a single goal - The Law Society/ Greenpeace

These are then further divided into insiders or outsiders depending whether they have the government’s ear or not. Insiders are often large sectional groups like the National Farmer’s Union. Outsider groups like Extinction Rebellion use public campaigns to gain attention and create change.

Advantages of pressure group’s influence on law making

Use a variety of tactics to give a voice to big issues they believe the governments should sort

Large groups have huge memberships serving as a cornerstone of democracy

Keeps government in touch with the issues of the day

Disadvantages of pressure group’s influence on law making

Biased for their cause

Can go over the top with their protestations for example Just Stop Oil

Two groups can be pitted against each other like pro and anti Brexit groups