Cost of Elections (5d) Page 41 What do you get when you cross a skunk with a bear? Winnie the Phew

Standard 5d Essential Understandings: Running for political office is expensive. Essential Questions: How has the high cost of getting elected changed campaigning for public office? Vocabulary: Political Action Committees, special interest groups, campaign finance laws

Candy Questions

Which fundamental principle means a government where we elect people to make laws and conduct government on our behalf?

Which early document established a weak government that could not tax or enforce laws?

When President Obama ordered the Navy Seals to “take out” Osama bin Laden, which purpose of government according to the Preamble was he fulfilling?

Who ratifies amendments to the Virginia State Constitution?

Which branch of government raises taxes and declares war?

Name one check that the legislative branch has over the executive branch.

Who writes laws for the state of Virginia?

What do we call powers that are set aside for state governments?

What hat is the Governor wearing if he tells the General Assembly that he would like stronger gun laws in Virginia?

Name one local government official that is elected by the voters.

Political Parties Voters Mass Media

The high cost of getting elected has changed campaigning for public office.

Rising campaign costs Require candidates to conduct extensive fund-raising activities

Rising campaign costs Require candidates to conduct extensive fund-raising activities Limit opportunities to run for public office

Rising campaign costs Require candidates to conduct extensive fund-raising activities Limit opportunities to run for public office Give an advantage to wealthy individuals who run for office

Rising campaign costs Require candidates to conduct extensive fund-raising activities Limit opportunities to run for public office Give an advantage to wealthy individuals who run for office Encourage the development of political action committees (PACs)

continued Give issue-oriented special interest groups increased influence

Campaign finance reform Rising campaign costs have led to efforts to reform campaign finance laws. Limits exist on the amount individuals may contribute to political candidates and campaigns. $2600 per election to federal candidate $5000 per calendar year to PAC $10,000 per calendar year to state or local party committee $32,400 per calendar year to a national party committee $123,200 total biennial limit $100 in cash to any political committee

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On the left side of your notebook, create a brainstorming list of or illustrate all the things you can think of that would cost a candidate money. You have 5 minutes! Then we will share.