Campaign Finance Flashcards
What is a Matching Fund?
When the government agrees to match the amount of funding raised by an individual’s campaign.
In 2016, candidates could get $150 million in matching their funds.
For every public donation, how much does the US contribute to a candidate?
$250
What was the Bipartisan Campaign Act?
The total contributions any individual can make was capped at $2000 per year
It banned soft money donations (money without a trace).
How can you apply for a matching fund?
You must have the support from a minimum of 20 states and be able to prove this in order that people have the access to the money.
Why did Obama reject the use of matching Funds?
He knew he could raise more from small donors through the internet.
These were all people donating $200 or less.
How much did Obama raise just from small donors?
$56.7 million
What is a 527 group?
They can be set up by anyone, usually businesses.
They are tax exempt, as they act as a non-profit organisations, who can then donate money to candidates campaigns.
Due to this they do not have declare this money, as they work outside of the tax rings.u
What legislation was proposed to reform Campaign finance in 2022?
The Disclose Act.
This stated that all entities donating $10,000 or more, would have to publicly disclose this, to address the $1 billion in dark money.
What is a PAC?
A committee set up to raise limited amounts of money and spend it to explicitly elect or defeat a candidate.
Give an example of a PAC.
Americans coming Together.
What is a Super PAC?
A political committee that makes independent expenditures, but not directly to candidates.
They clearly support a party, but indirectly donate money to candidates through creating adverts.
What are the concerns around campaign finance?
Donors prefer to donate to candidates that support their interests, eg NRA and trump.
There has been links made between candidates and their financiers, and contracts given in the future.
What was the bipartisan Campaign reform act?
An individual was limited to donating $2000 per year.
Soft money donations were banned.
Foreign nationals were banned from donating.
What are the concerns with electoral expenses?
It is impossible for individuals without wealth or connections to run for office.
Representatives may be more focussed upon organisations rather than individuals.
Donors prefer to support candidates who have proven electoral success.
What did citizens v FEC say?
Determined that money is free speech, meaning any limitations placed may be unconstitutional.
How does campaign finance encourage democracy?
Encourages electoral participation.
Allow for more candidates to run in the race.
How doesn’t campaign finance encourage democracy?
Freedom of speech.
Excludes candidates that can’t afford to run.
Presidents often give contracts to their donors.
What act was proposed in 2022 to limit campaign finance?
Disclose Act.
Required any donation over $10,000 from a single source to be declared.
