Topic 7 (Outside Money in Elections)

Question 1

Interest Groups

Answer 1

-groups who share common goals and organize to influence government
-support candidates who support their issues or policies
-NRA, PHRMA, Unions

Question 2

Lobbyists

Answer 2

-representatives of interest groups
-contact congressmen (elected officials)
-former government/corporate officials, lawyers, public relations experts

Question 3

How do lobbyists contact congressmen?

Answer 3

-proposals/voting recommendations
-information (stats, reports, studies)
-testify at hearings, write bills
-provide gifts (over $500 must be reported)

Question 4

K-Street

Answer 4

-lobbyist offices near US Capitol

Question 5

527 (soft money) Groups

Answer 5

-tax code loophole
-campaign for a candidate,without approval
-do not have “I approve this message” but DO claim responsibility

Question 6

Examples of 527 Groups

Answer 6

-Freedom’s Defense Fund (Rep.)
-MoveOn.org (Dem.)
-Think Progress.org (Dem.)
-Citizens United (Rep.)

Question 7

Political Action Committee (PACs)

Answer 7

-organizations that provide financial support for candidates
-used by interest groups to fund “friendly” campaigns

Question 8

PAC Donation Amount

Answer 8

-$5,000 directly to candidate
-no limit to campaign donations as long as they don’t coordinate with campaign

Question 9

Super PACs

Answer 9

-created by ‘Citizens United vs. FED (2010)’
-candidates create own PACs and can receive unlimited donations

Question 10

Super PACs Can/Cannot

Answer 10

-can campaign on behalf of the candidate
-cannot coordinate with the candidate

Question 11

Dark Money Groups

Answer 11

-501(c)4, others hard to track
-use IRS tax loopholes for ads, mailers, etc…