Political Parties

Campaign Financing

Objectives I can analyze the issues raised by campaign financing and its impact on the American political system.

Campaign Spending Considerations What office is involved? Who is running? Is the candidate an incumbent (currently holding office)? Or the opposition What is the availability of the campaign funds?

Sources of Funding Private Contribution – major source of campaign funds in American politics Small contributors (10% of voting age individuals) Wealthy individuals and families Candidates (spend their own money) Various non party groups Temporary organizations Public Treasury - subsidies from the federal and some State treasuries

Regulation of Campaign Finance In 1907 it became unlawful for any corporation or national bank to make “a money contribution in any election” to candidates for federal office. Congress does not have the power to regulate campaign funding in the state and local elections.

Federal Election Commission Administers all federal laws dealing with campaign finance Strong words and a lot of details with little follow-through Coverage areas Require the timely disclosure of campaign finance date No individual or group may make a contribution in the name of another No cash gifts over $100 No gifts from foreign entities (or persons) All gifts must be given through a single campaign committee for that candidate Place limits on campaign contributions No one person may give more than $2100 in primary election or federal general election Total contributions to federal candidates and committees cannot exceed $101,400 in an election cycle No corporation or labor union may contribute to any candidate running for federal office

FEC continued Place limits on campaign expenditures If candidate take FEC funding they must accept spending limits as well Provide public funding for several parts of the presidential election process Money given by taxpayers through federal income tax voluntarily for Preconvention campaigns National conventions Presidential election campaigns, if taken - then Cannot spend more than the amount of the subsidy (amount given by FEC) Cannot accept campaign funds from any other source

Hard Money vs. Soft Money Hard Money – money raised and spent to elect candidates for Congress and the White House Soft Money – funds given to party organizations for party building activities (which include candidate recruitment, voter registration, and get-out-the-vote drives) The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002 prohibits soft-money contributions to political parties, but can be re-routed through independent supporting groups.

Campaign Finance Law

Political Parties

Objectives I can identify and explain the role of political parties throughout American History. I can evaluate the role of interest groups in influencing elections and public policy in America.

Crash Course

Words to Know Political Party