Money and Elections

1. Money and Elections Chapter 10, Theme B

2. Pop Quiz 10 1. Name 1 of 2 groups that have been banned from contributing to candidates since 1925? 2. What scandal led to FECA? 3. What constitutional amendment was used to challenge the validity of FECA & BCRA? 4. What is the maximum an individual can contribute to a candidate per election today? 5. What are political organizations that raise and spend money for political causes called? 6. For a bonus, tell me one additional fact from the reading.

3. What about money in politics bothers Americans?? • All men are not created equal in the voting booth • Money buys votes • Money buys people influence without being elected to office • It is the “un-American” American way

4. Why does a campaign need money? • Travel/Transportation • People/staff • Office space • Advertising • Signage • Lodging • Meals The higher level of office sought means the higher the expense!

5. How is money different in Presidential elections compared to Congressional elections? Presidential Congressional No Public Financing Most money comes from private donors Usually take some PAC money Incumbents use franking privilege (free mail) • Public Financing • Most money comes from private donors • Usually take very little PAC money • Must raise $5000 in 20 states from small contributions of $250 or less • Must abide by spending limits if fed. $ is used

6. Campaign Finance Rules • What were the causes of the 1974 election reforms? • What reforms were put into place by the 1974 legislation? • Rules on who can give & disclosure • Limits on contribution amounts • Federal Financing • Federal enforcement

7. WARNING! • Every time a law is written, a loophole is created to get around the law!

8. Results of the 1974 Reforms • The “legalizing” of PACs • Independent expenditures • Buckley v. Valeo • Soft money (LOOPHOLE!) • “Bundled” contributions (LOOPHOLE!) • The further weakening of parties • Longer campaigns • Wealthier candidates • Higher incumbency reelection

9. More Reform • What ideas for reform were incorporated into the 2002 BCRA? • What were the 3 major changes in fed. election laws? • What was the basis of McConnell v. FEC? What was SCOTUS decision? • Do you agree or disagree? Explain.

10. WARNING! • Every time a law is written, a loophole is created to get around the law!

11. More Challenges • Is a movie (Hillary: The Movie) considered a political ad? • Is it free speech? • Does forbidding corporations and labor unions from running position (not candidate ads) violate free speech? • Can non-profit groups (527 organization) give money to candidates?

12. Federal Funds Rules • Must disclose all contributions over $100 to the FEC (name, address & occupation) • No foreign contributions; No cash over $100 • An individual may not give over $2000 to a candidate’s campaign each election cycle • PACs must register 6 mos. Before election, have at least 50 contributing members, and give to at least 5 candidates • PACs can spend on ads on a candidate their legal contribution ($5000) • Other groups may fund electioneering ads, but may not coordinate with candidates or parties.

13. Sources of Money • For each discuss the rules and limits: • Candidates themselves • Individuals • PACs • Federal Government • Who cannot give directly to campaigns? • Unions • Biz organizations • Foreigners

14. Money and Winning • Does money make a difference in the general election for President? Explain. • What 3 factors determine the outcome of elections during peacetime? Discuss swing votes, pocketbook votes & character. • Exceptions? 2000 election • What other factors make no difference?

15. Money and Congress • Why is it important for challengers to spend so much money? Name, reputation, record • Why is money not as important for incumbents? What other advantages do incumbents have? • Power --Name Recognition • Publicity --”Schmoozing” • Gerrymandering --Franking • What other factors, besides money play in to the elections?

16. 3 reasons party identity doesn’t determine election winners • Cannot be just party identification because the Democrats would ALWAYS win because more people identify with them. Have lost 7 of 12 Presidential Elections since 1968! • Dems. Less “wedded” to their party • GOP does better w/ independents • Reps. Have higher voter turnout

17. Other factors that determine election winners • Issues, especially the economy • V.O Key: Most voters who switch parties do so in their own interests • Voters know what issues affect them • They have strong principles on issues • What are the differences between retrospective and prospective voting? • How does it affect elections? Examples?

18. Other factors that determine election winners • Campaigns • How do campaigns make a difference in the election outcome? Name 3 ways. • Campaigns focus on themes not details. Is this a new phenomenon? • How have primaries changed campaigning?

19. Other factors that determine election winners • Building a winning coalition • Which is more important: Loyalty or Numbers? Why? • Who is the Democratic Coalition? • Most loyal? Leaving? • Who is the Republican Coalition? • Most loyal? Leaving?

20. Why do elections have little impact on public policy? • Many offices to be filled at three levels • Coalitions are weak and easily broken or changed • Do elections even really matter in the US? Defend or Refute!!

21. Assignments • Complete Interest Group project. • Read chapter 11. Organize notes by headings. • There will be a quiz on Tuesday, January 7th on the chapter. • Chapter 12 will be assigned on Tuesday, January 7th and due on the 9th. • Unit 4 Test on Chapters 9-12 is Friday, January 10th.