SOL 5d Cost of running a campaign

Running for political office is expensive.

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

Rising campaign costs  Limit opportunities to run for public office

Rising campaign costs  Give an advantage to wealthy individuals who run for office

Rising campaign costs  Give issue- oriented special interest groups increased influence

Interest Groups Interest Groups People with a similar point of view who work together to promote that point of view

Interest Groups

An interest group is a structured organization of people with shared attitudes who attempt to influence public policy. Interest groups: -Vary in size, goals and budget -Attempt to influence both the government and public opinion -Hire lobbyists to represent their interests Interest Groups

Rising campaign costs  Encourage the development of political action committees (PACs)

Political Action Committee Political fund-raising organization established by a special interest group

Political Action Committee (PAC)  A PAC is group that supports a candidate or issues by raising money, campaigning, and polling

Political Action Committee

Campaign finance reform  Rising campaign costs have led to efforts to reform campaign finance laws.

Campaign finance reform  Limits exist on the amount individuals may contribute to political candidates and campaigns.