Influences on Parliament

The media is a large influence on Parliament. With many ways of spreading information it is an easy way for the public to understand what Parliament is doing and a way for Parliament to know what the public wants.

Types of media include:

• Newspapers
• Radio
• News chanels 
• Social Media

Advantages include:

• Draws attention to issues to Parliament and the public

Meaning it is a central source of information and is democratic 

• Reports public opinion to Parliament

Meaning it reflects public opinion and laws (if passed) will be abided by

• Encourages public participation

Meaning it gets the public involved so they can express their opinions and it contributes to democracy

• Supports pressure groups

Meaning their views and actions are heard and it contributes to democracy

Disadvantages include:

• Not objective

Meaning the story can be objective, distorted and unreliable 

• May not be well informed 

Meaning the whole story may not be told, have neccesary information could be cut, be distorted, be unreliable and enforce false based opinions

• Exaggerate concerns

Meaning they may empahsis wrong details, change the story or create a flawed public opinion  

The law commissioners aim to reform the law so that it is modern, fair, simple and cost effective.

They make proposals to:

• Modernise and develop the law by making new law
• Codify the existing law
• Consolidate the law
• Repeal obsolete law

Advantages include:

• Expertise

Meaning they specialise in a particular subject matter, are familiar witht the current law and are more forceful

• Thorough methods

Meaning they explore all areas of the reform, are more in-depth and have a better chance of success.

• Open consultations

Meaning everyone gets to share their views, it is unbaised and therefore democratic and has a better chance of success

• Independent 

Meaning there is no government influence so they chooe their own projects.

Disadvantages include:

• Insuffiecently resourced

Meaning they're under-staffed, under-paid, making it slow so there are unconsidered parts of law

• Slow

 Meaning it can take anything up to 2 or 3 years as there are many stages to conduct therefore it is not good for emergency laws

• Recommendations often ignored

Meaning 60%-70% are implimented, it wastes time and money

Pressure groups can be either causal or sectional.

They use many methods of being heard including:

• Lobbying 
• Demonstrations 
• Petitions 

All of which raises public awarness and gives them more of a chance for sucess

Advantages include:

• Informs Parliament and the public

Meaning the public is aware of them and they gain more authority meaning they have a larger chance for success

• Expertise

Meaning they are well researched in their area, it saves their time and they are more likely to be successful

• Vehicle for public to express opinions

Meaning anyone can add their ideas and makes the group more influencial.

• Encourages actice citizenship

Meaning the socitey can work together, making the group more influencial 

Disadvantages include

• Biased and undemocratic

Meaning they have limited views and recommendations are often ignored

• Extreme and unlawful methods

Meaning they may use violence and threats, making the pressure group look bad leading to less success

• Potential for corruption

Meaning there could be unreliable group members, the group could fall apart and not succeed