Exam-style question
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Which factor deserves greatest weight when evaluating influence over committee membership — the extent of Parliament's influence on government decisions, including party discipline, Select Committee access to civil servants and Whips' influence over committee membership? Use the relevant political concepts and evidence from The structure and role of Parliament.
- A.UK pressure groups often target ministers, Parliament and consultation, whereas US groups also use Congress, federal courts and campaign finance routes; this matters because institutional access changes which lobbying method is effective.
- B.The UK and USA have identical structures for pressure-group influence.
- C.Only political culture matters, so institutions can be ignored when comparing pressure-group influence.
- D.Describe the UK and USA separately without identifying a similarity, difference or consequence.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- The correct answer is UK pressure groups often target ministers, Parliament and consultation, whereas US groups also use Congress, federal courts and campaign finance routes; this matters because institutional access changes which lobbying method is effective.
Explanation
Why this works
UK pressure groups often target ministers, Parliament and consultation, whereas US groups also use Congress, federal courts and campaign finance routes; this matters because institutional access changes which lobbying method is effective. This is correct because AO2 requires an explicit institutional comparison and explains that institutional access changes which lobbying method is effective.
Apply insider access, outsider campaigning, lobbying, consultation, congressional committees, litigation and campaign finance precisely. UK pressure groups often target ministers, Parliament and consultation, whereas US groups also use Congress, federal courts and campaign finance routes.
A structural viewpoint emphasises formal rules; however, a rational or cultural viewpoint may explain how actors use those rules. Overall, judge the evidence from a named campaign, consultation, court case, congressional hearing or lobbying route and explain whether institutional access changes which lobbying method is effective for "Analyse and evaluate the extent of Parliament's influence on government decisions, including party discipline, Select Committee access to civil servants and Whips' influence over committee membership.".
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