Final Exam Flashcards
Pertaining to campaign finance, what is the pattern that has emerged during the twentieth century?
As the major parties become stronger nationally, more dollars from outside a given state have flowed into political campaigns. The growing role of money in party politics is conceivably the most powerful force pushing the system toward the Hamiltonian pole.
Citizens United vs Federal Election Comission
Eliminated much of the campaign finance regulatory system assembled by previous congresses and presidents following the watergate scandal in the 1970’s
Why were mark Hana’s efforts in 1896?
- 1896 election was first time that systematic fundraising techniques were used in pres campaigns. Going out to get money instead of waiting for it
- Hanna demonstrated that political advertising could rule the day
Why was there a rapid expansion of the electorate after 1896
Immigration and women’s suffrage
What was created as a result of Hanna
New type of Hamiltonian nationalism in politics. By centralizing power at the top of a federal campaign. Political parties became more professionally based and were a central point for gathering large sums of money
Hard money vs. Soft money
Hard money is subject to individual limits by FECA. Can’t use money from individual donors until nomination
Soft money- developed in 1980s, individual contribution to party committees that weren’t subject to penalties
McCain-Feingold
Pushing campaign finance reform in 90s
Wanted to put end to soft money
Thought it was giving committees too much power, too much unregulated money
Didn’t think it was good for body politic
McConnell vs FEC
Addressed complaints against McCain-Feingold. Ended with decision that congress has the right to regulate as money is not free speech. SC composition changes after this and opened the way for Citizens United
Citizens United
527 group that was tax exempt, weren’t subject to any limits of monies received or how they spend them. Was attractive to political activists because of the ban on soft money. Important because money “still found a way to flow like water.” SEE PAGE 170
McCutchen vs FEC
Takes CU and pulls it further
mC wanted to donate 1776 to every republican candidate for congress, which bumps up individual limits
SC says there’s nothing corrupt about that amount to an individual candidate
Says 1776 is speech
Citizens United and McCutchen concluding thought
Sets precedent
Nothing on horizon to overturn this
Not looking at change in composition but change will come
Why have third parties generally failed at the polls?
Institutional barriers like the electoral college, single member districts, direct primary laws, and ballot access restrictions.
Cultural barriers like
Has internet politics altered the standing of third parties
Minority party activists are better able to communicate with voters and each other than in the past. The type of person who might be interested in third party activities is likely to own personal computer and have access to the Internet.
V.O Key
First to argue that some elections are more important than others
In 1955 developed a category of elections he described as critical elections- contests characterized by sharp reorganizations of party loyalties over short periods of time.
In these contests voter turnout is quite high, and new, long lasting party coalitions are formed
Secular realignments
Developed by Key. Party loyalties can erode among some groups and regions over many years. Slow shift over long period of time
Definition- a movement of the members of a population category from party to party that extends over several presidential elections and appears to be independent of the peculiar factors influencing the vote at individual elections
