6. Claim
Claim: To what extent are individual citizens able to influence public policy?
Sub-Claim: What are the arguments in favor and against campaign finance?

7. Academic Vocabulary:
Budget - An estimate of income and expenditure for a set period of time Finance – The management of large amounts of money, especially by governments or large companies. Fundraiser – A person whose job or task is to seek financial support for a charity, institution, or other enterprise PAC (Political Action Committee) - An organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation, especially at the federal level

8. Part 1: Why so secretive? Pair Share Activity (1) Read each source
(2) Each student chooses one source to discuss with Partner
(3) Fill out worksheet during discussion

9. Exploring current spending http://www. opensecrets. org
Exploring current spending Statistics on the most recent completed election cycle and amount raised by candidate in Louisiana.

10. Part 2: Where do they get their contributions?

11. Where do candidates get their money?
New York Times “From $25 to $10,000,000: A Guide to Political Donations,”
Take notes (bulleted list with brief explanations) on the various ways individuals and companies can donate to political candidates and campaigns.

12. Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

13. Part 3: Super PAC’s

14. Super PAC’s

15. Close Reading “Super PAC Mania” by Robert Barnes
Use the graphic organizer to gather your thoughts focusing on why PAC’s are relevant within our elections today.
Summative Assessment: Write two paragraphs defining what a super PAC is and what role they play in political campaigns.