influence on elections Flashcards
what are washington insiders + example:
those who are already part of the political elite e.g. senate members
-PGs direct a lot of their funding at these insiders as they will be able to have more influence
-this idea enhances political elitism
-in 2016, 96% of the NRA’s budget was spent on senate elections and the presidential campaign
how do PGs reinforce incumbency?
-funding directed at incumbents strengthens their position, when they already have a high profile and record
-‘safer’ for a PG to direct funding at an incumbent
what is the iron triangle?
the relationship that develops between congress (congressional committees), pressure groups and the federal bureaucracy
what is the impact of iron triangles?
how are PACs linked to pressure groups?
pressure groups and corporations give money to PACs, who then use that money to influence elections
what are PACs?
they are groups that support candidates in elections and campaigns for legislation/initiatives
-individuals can give up to $5000 to PACs
what are Super PACs?
-unlimited spending of ‘soft money’ on campaigns but cannot donate directly to a candidate or a party
arguments that PACs and Super PACS have too much influence on US elections:
-super wealthy individual donors can effectively buy political influence
-e.g. Sheldon Adelson (billionaire conservative) contributed over $100 mil in 2020 to the anti-biden campaign
-as Super PACs are less regulated and provide ‘soft money’ they have a huge influence
arguments that PACs and Super PACS don’t have too much influence on US elections:
-large donations don’t always guarantee a victory
-e.g. in 2016 clinton received more than double what trump did from super PAC funding - did win the vote but ultimately lost the election
arguments that PGs are good for democracy:
-they represent a wide range of interests, meaning minority groups have increased representation e.g. NAACP
-they encourage wider political participation (only 59% turnout in last presidential election )
-educate the public (MADD) and the gov. on key issues, meaning they can make more informed decisions
-scrutinise and hold gov. account at election time
-build broad agendas to make important changes (e.g. civil rights movement)
arguments that PGs are bad for democracy:
-raise concerns about tyranny of the minority
-arguably direct action undermines democracy, especially when its violent/illegal
-many groups are ore interested in putting personal interest above public interest
