Policy Making

Government policies are influenced by many sources and well as circumstances. 

•  Manifesto pledges and promises 

•  Personal convictions of the prime minister/party leader

• Outcome of referendums

• Results of deals with minority/other coalition parties- rare in the UK- The Election of 2010  

• Events-Responses to national crises and emergency situations, including economic, foreign affairs and medical.Case study John Major 

• Pressure from the public and media and pressure groups Case studies of pressure groups 

•  Changing social and cultural attitudesMedia theories : 'salience’ and ‘valance'