1. Essay Question: Campaign Finance Reforms
Jessica

2. The Question
The US Congress has debated a variety of campaign finances reforms over the last decade. The proposals included the following:
Eliminating soft money
Limiting independent expenditures
Raising limits on individuals contribution

3. The Question Select one of the listed proposals and do the following:
Define the proposal
Describe an argument that favors the proposal
Describe an argument that is against the proposal

4. Points 1 point is earned for the definition of the proposal*
1 point is earned for the description of the argument in favor of the proposal
1 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.

5. Eliminating Soft Money
Definition:
Prohibiting or regulating campaign contributions to political parties and/or contributions for party building activities

6. Eliminating Soft Money
Arguments in favor for:
Soft money is often used to circumvent limits on hard money
Levels the playing field
Lessens concern about undue influence of “fat cats”/ buying influence
Provides more disclosures and transparency
Decreases overall cost of the campaign

7. Eliminating Soft Money
Arguments against:
First amendment
Contrary to ruling in Buckley v. Valeo*
Party money is one step removed between contributor and decision-maker
Weakens political parties
Might lessen grassroots participation

8. Limiting Independent Expenditures
Definition:
Limiting money spent by individuals and groups not directly affiliated with the candidate or the party

9. Limiting Independent Expenditures
Arguments in favor for:
Can be used to circumvent limits on hard money
Levels the playing field
Possibly reduces negative issue ads.
Candidates want to control their own campaign
Lessens concern about undue influence of “fat cat”/ buying of influence

10. Limiting Independent Expenditures
Arguments against:
First Amendment
Contrary rule in Buckley v. Valeo
Might lesson grassroots participation

11. Raising Limits on Individual Contributions
Definition:
Prohibiting or regulating campaign contributions to political parties and/ or contributions for party building activities

12. Raising Limits on Individual Contributions
Arguments in favor for:
Limits are not indexed inflation
Candidates can spend less time fundraising
Decrease influence of PACs
Decreases restrictions under First Amendment rights*
Decrease reliance on less-regulated forms of campaign funds

13. Raising Limits on Individual Contributions
Arguments against:
Allows the rich to have/buy more influence
Too much money in the process already
Drives up the cost of campaigns

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