opensecrets/pres08/index.php

1. WHAT DOES THIS POLITICAL CARTOON SUGGEST ABOUT PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGNS? http://www.opensecrets.org/pres08/index.php

2. Why are campaigns so expensive? Brainstorm & make a list of expenses w/a partner.

3. “MONEY IS THE MOTHER’S MILK OF POLITICS?” MANY CANDIDATES HAVE SAID THIS AND EXPERIENCED IT. WHAT DOES IT MEAN FOR THE CANDIDATE AND THE ELECTION PROCESS ITSELF?

4. WHAT MESSAGE IS THE CARTOON EXPRESSING? WHAT PROBLEMS ARISE FOR A REPUBLIC IF THIS IS TRUE? WHAT WOULD MADISON’S POSITION BE ON CONTROLLING THE “SHADOWY” FIGURE?

5. Campaigns and Elections

6. “Mudslinging” – A political term used to describe negative campaigning. Instead of emphasizing one's own positive attributes or policies, it is an attempt to gain an advantage by attacking your opponent, or their policies. Why do you think negative ads about a political opponent are more effective than ads that extol positive attributes about yourself?

8. SUPER PACS • created in July 2010 after SpeechNow.org v. Federal Election Commission. • Known as independent expenditure-only committees • may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, associations and individuals, then spend unlimited sums to overtly advocate for or against political candidates.

9. SUPER PACS • Super PACs must, however, report their donors to the Federal Election Commission on a monthly or quarterly basis -- the Super PAC's choice -- as a traditional PAC would. • Unlike traditional PACs, Super PACs are prohibited from donating money directly to political candidates

10. Campaign Finance • Federal Election Campaign Act 1974 • Established the FEC- Federal Election Commission to enforce federal campaign laws. • 6 members-3 dem, 3 rep • BCFRA • Eliminated soft money • Increased individual contributions directly to candidates

11. Campaign Finance Cases • Buckley v. Valeo • Challenged FECA on limitations placed on contributions as a limit to freedom of expression • Decision: • Upheld limitations on donations by individuals to help maintain “free competitive elections” • Struck down limitations on candidates spending their own money on campaigns-not necessary to limit the potential for corruption

12. Campaign Finance Cases • McConnell v. FEC • Were the restrictions on soft money from the BCFRA unconstitutional? • Decision • Limitations on soft money was permitted as the impact of free speech was minimal • Congress had not exceeded its powers.

13. Campaign Finance Cases • Citizens United v. FEC • Court ruled that the First Amendment does not permit laws to discriminate between corporations and individuals when it comes to spending INDEPENDENT of candidates and political parties. • Allows corporations and unions to spend money directly advocating election or defeat of candidates. NO CONNECTION WITH PARTY OR CANDIDATE.

14. CURRENT LIMITATIONS • FEC REGULATED- all groups must file disclosure reports-who gave and how spent • Individual limits • $2400 per candidate per election • $5000 to a PAC per year • $30,400 to national political party per year • $10,000 to federal acct of state party committee • No more than $115,500 for two year cycle

15. CURRENT LIMITATIONS • PACS • $5000 per candidate per election • $15000 to national political parties • If PAC makes contributions to candidates or parties, then it can only accept hard money and follow restrictions • IF a Super PAC and makes independent expenditures, not bound by federal contribution restrictions