Essay Question:Campaign Finance Reforms

Jessica

The QuestionThe US Congress has debated a variety of campaign finances reforms over the last decade. The proposals included the following:

Eliminating soft moneyLimiting independent expendituresRaising limits on individuals contribution

The QuestionSelect one of the listed proposals and do the following:

Define the proposalDescribe an argument that favors the proposalDescribe an argument that is against the

proposal

Points1 point is earned for the definition of the

proposal*1 point is earned for the description of the

argument in favor of the proposal1 point is earned for the description of the

argument against the proposal. *The response may get description points without the

definition points, but the description must reference the particular proposal.

Eliminating Soft MoneyDefinition: Prohibiting or regulating campaign

contributions to political parties and/or contributions for party building activities

Eliminating Soft MoneyArguments in favor for:Soft money is often used to circumvent limits

on hard moneyLevels the playing fieldLessens concern about undue influence of

“fat cats”/ buying influenceProvides more disclosures and transparencyDecreases overall cost of the campaign

Eliminating Soft MoneyArguments against:First amendmentContrary to ruling in Buckley v. Valeo*Party money is one step removed between

contributor and decision-makerWeakens political partiesMight lessen grassroots participation

Limiting Independent ExpendituresDefinition:Limiting money spent by individuals and

groups not directly affiliated with the candidate or the party

Limiting Independent ExpendituresArguments in favor for:Can be used to circumvent limits on hard

moneyLevels the playing fieldPossibly reduces negative issue ads.Candidates want to control their own

campaignLessens concern about undue influence of

“fat cat”/ buying of influence

Limiting Independent ExpendituresArguments against:First AmendmentContrary rule in Buckley v. ValeoMight lesson grassroots participation

Raising Limits on Individual ContributionsDefinition:Prohibiting or regulating campaign

contributions to political parties and/ or contributions for party building activities

Raising Limits on Individual ContributionsArguments in favor for:Limits are not indexed inflationCandidates can spend less time fundraisingDecrease influence of PACsDecreases restrictions under First

Amendment rights*Decrease reliance on less-regulated forms of

campaign funds

Raising Limits on Individual ContributionsArguments against:Allows the rich to have/buy more influenceToo much money in the process alreadyDrives up the cost of campaigns

Good luck “And may the odds ever be in your favor.”