Unit Three – Political Unit Three – Political Parties, Elections, Parties, Elections,

Interest Groups and The Interest Groups and The Mass MediaMass Media

Harris – AP GovernmentHarris – AP Government

Role of Interest GroupsRole of Interest Groups► Interest Group – Organization of Interest Group – Organization of

people with similar policy goals who people with similar policy goals who enter the political process to try to enter the political process to try to achieve those aims.achieve those aims.

►Different from political parties – Different from political parties – Political parties use the election Political parties use the election process to get candidates elected in process to get candidates elected in pursuit of their policy goals. Interest pursuit of their policy goals. Interest groups support candidates but don’t groups support candidates but don’t run their own. Interest groups are also run their own. Interest groups are also policy specialists, while political policy specialists, while political parties are generalists.parties are generalists.

PluralismPluralism► Pluralist theory argues that interest groups Pluralist theory argues that interest groups

compete and balance each other out in the compete and balance each other out in the political process. They believe that interest political process. They believe that interest groups are good because they create a balanced groups are good because they create a balanced system. There are several key arguments to this system. There are several key arguments to this theory:theory:

1.1. Groups provide a key link between people and Groups provide a key link between people and government.government.

2.2. Groups competeGroups compete3.3. No one group is likely to become too dominate. No one group is likely to become too dominate.

(When one group becomes to powerful, the (When one group becomes to powerful, the opposition pushes harder.)opposition pushes harder.)

4.4. Groups usually play by the “rules of the game”Groups usually play by the “rules of the game”5.5. Groups weak in one resource can use another. Groups weak in one resource can use another.

(Business has money, but labor has power.)(Business has money, but labor has power.)

Elite and Class TheoryElite and Class Theory► Elite and Class theory – argues that power is Elite and Class theory – argues that power is

held by a few wealth people and key held by a few wealth people and key groups. They argue that the interest group groups. They argue that the interest group system is bad because it only helps a few system is bad because it only helps a few groups. They have a few arguments to groups. They have a few arguments to prove their points and disprove pluralism.prove their points and disprove pluralism.

1.1. The fact that there are many groups doesn’t The fact that there are many groups doesn’t prove anything. Not all groups have the prove anything. Not all groups have the same power.same power.

2.2. Most power rests within a few groups.Most power rests within a few groups.3.3. The power of a few is reinforced by the set The power of a few is reinforced by the set

up of the system.up of the system.4.4. Small groups may win some minor battles, Small groups may win some minor battles,

however powerful groups always win big however powerful groups always win big battles.battles.

HyperpluralismHyperpluralism► Hyperpluralists believe that they system Hyperpluralists believe that they system

might have functioned at one time, however might have functioned at one time, however it is now dysfunctional. Hyperpluralists it is now dysfunctional. Hyperpluralists believe that the government defers to the believe that the government defers to the demands of the lobbyists excessively. This demands of the lobbyists excessively. This allows conflicting and inconsistent legislation allows conflicting and inconsistent legislation to become laws. to become laws.

► Hyperpluralists are critical of the current Hyperpluralists are critical of the current system for several reasons. system for several reasons.

1.1. They believe that the government and They believe that the government and interest groups have become to friendly. This interest groups have become to friendly. This means no tough decisions are made, instead means no tough decisions are made, instead they try to please everyone. they try to please everyone.

2.2. Interest groups have benefited from the Interest groups have benefited from the number of subgovernment groups.number of subgovernment groups.

3.3. Conflicting and confusing policy is the result Conflicting and confusing policy is the result of all of this.of all of this.

Successful Interest GroupsSuccessful Interest Groups►Several factors go into determining Several factors go into determining

how successful an interest group is. how successful an interest group is. Things like size, intensity, and financial Things like size, intensity, and financial resources are all important. resources are all important.

Successful Interest GroupsSuccessful Interest Groups► Question: Are large groups more successful? No, large Question: Are large groups more successful? No, large

groups have a one main problem to overcome, free-groups have a one main problem to overcome, free-riders.riders.

► All interest groups consist of potential members and All interest groups consist of potential members and actual members. Potential members are the people who actual members. Potential members are the people who could join the group and actual members do join the could join the group and actual members do join the group.group.

► Collective good – This is a term that refers to something Collective good – This is a term that refers to something of value that an interest groups obtains, but can’t be of value that an interest groups obtains, but can’t be denied to potential members. Unions are a good denied to potential members. Unions are a good example. Unions negotiate contracts for everyone, even example. Unions negotiate contracts for everyone, even nonmembers. This means potential members benefit nonmembers. This means potential members benefit from their action with out the cost of joining. This is from their action with out the cost of joining. This is known as the free-rider problemknown as the free-rider problem

► The larger the group the larger the free rider problem. The larger the group the larger the free rider problem. This is because any gains by the group will be small This is because any gains by the group will be small when it is distributed to everyone. Small groups stand to when it is distributed to everyone. Small groups stand to gain the most. This means they are more willing to fight.gain the most. This means they are more willing to fight.

Successful Interest GroupsSuccessful Interest Groups

► Intensity – Single issue groups tend to Intensity – Single issue groups tend to have members that are more willing to have members that are more willing to be involved. This higher level of be involved. This higher level of intensity translates into more power.intensity translates into more power.

►Financial resources are also important. Financial resources are also important. The more money the more power.The more money the more power.

Interest GroupsInterest Groups► The number of interest groups have been The number of interest groups have been

increasing since the end of WWII. Interest increasing since the end of WWII. Interest groups are not required by law to register with groups are not required by law to register with anyone, so the exact number is not known. anyone, so the exact number is not known. The annual Encyclopedia of Associations The annual Encyclopedia of Associations attempts to count them all, currently they list attempts to count them all, currently they list over 22,000 interest groups. over 22,000 interest groups.

► Interest groups can be put into several Interest groups can be put into several different categories according to the issues different categories according to the issues they are interested in. Currently, about 18% of they are interested in. Currently, about 18% of interest groups are said to be focused on trade interest groups are said to be focused on trade issues. This is the largest of the groups. Health issues. This is the largest of the groups. Health issue groups make up about 10%.issue groups make up about 10%.

How Interest Groups WorkHow Interest Groups Work► Lobbying – Lobbying is defined as “communication, Lobbying – Lobbying is defined as “communication,

by someone other than a citizen acting on his or her by someone other than a citizen acting on his or her behalf, directed to a governmental decision maker behalf, directed to a governmental decision maker with the hope of influencing his or her decision.”with the hope of influencing his or her decision.”

► Lobbyists are the critical link between the actual Lobbyists are the critical link between the actual interest group and the politicians. They are interest group and the politicians. They are responsible for all direct communication between responsible for all direct communication between these two groups.these two groups.

► It is not clear how successful lobbyists are.It is not clear how successful lobbyists are.► Lobbyists help politicians in 4 different ways:Lobbyists help politicians in 4 different ways:1.1. They are an important source of information.They are an important source of information.2.2. They can help politicians with political strategy for They can help politicians with political strategy for

getting legislation through.getting legislation through.3.3. They can help formulate campaign strategy and get They can help formulate campaign strategy and get

the group’s members behind a politicians reelection the group’s members behind a politicians reelection campaign.campaign.

4.4. They are a source of ideas and innovations.They are a source of ideas and innovations.

How Interest Groups WorkHow Interest Groups Work►Electioneering – Lobbyist work best with Electioneering – Lobbyist work best with

people that are already on their side. people that are already on their side. Because of this, it is important to get and Because of this, it is important to get and keep elected officials in office who support keep elected officials in office who support them. Electioneering refers to supporting them. Electioneering refers to supporting candidates financially and physically during candidates financially and physically during the elections. One of the ways this gets the elections. One of the ways this gets done is through political action committees done is through political action committees (PAC’s).(PAC’s).

►Under the Under the Federal Election Campaign Act, , an organization becomes a "political an organization becomes a "political committee" by receiving contributions or committee" by receiving contributions or making expenditures in excess of $1000 making expenditures in excess of $1000 for the purpose of influencing a federal for the purpose of influencing a federal election.election.

How Interest Groups WorkHow Interest Groups Work►Federal PACs are limited in the amount of Federal PACs are limited in the amount of

money that they can contribute to other money that they can contribute to other organizations:organizations:

►at most $2,500 for individual PAC, $5,000 at most $2,500 for individual PAC, $5,000 for multicandidate PAC per candidate per for multicandidate PAC per candidate per election. Elections such as primaries, election. Elections such as primaries, general elections and special elections general elections and special elections are counted separately. are counted separately.

►at most $15,000 for multicandidate PAC, at most $15,000 for multicandidate PAC, $30800 for individual PAC per political $30800 for individual PAC per political party per year. party per year.

►at most $5,000 to another PAC per year. at most $5,000 to another PAC per year. ►Under federal law, PACs are not limited in Under federal law, PACs are not limited in

their ability to spend money their ability to spend money independently of a candidate campaign.independently of a candidate campaign.

► Individuals and any other organization or Individuals and any other organization or group may donate only $5000 a year to a group may donate only $5000 a year to a PAC.PAC.

How Interest Groups WorkHow Interest Groups Work► Litigation – When an interest groups fails or Litigation – When an interest groups fails or

succeeds in getting only a vague law passed, the succeeds in getting only a vague law passed, the next step is often litigation. This means that they next step is often litigation. This means that they use the court system to magnify the little success use the court system to magnify the little success that they have had. The environment and civil that they have had. The environment and civil rights are examples of interest groups that have rights are examples of interest groups that have successfully used litigation when congress failed successfully used litigation when congress failed them. them.

► Interest groups impact the courts in a few different Interest groups impact the courts in a few different ways. The most common way is with a lawsuit. Most ways. The most common way is with a lawsuit. Most federal laws come with provisions that permit federal laws come with provisions that permit individual or groups to sue for enforcement. individual or groups to sue for enforcement. Interest groups also produce Interest groups also produce amicus curiaeamicus curiae briefs. briefs. These are written arguments submitted to the These are written arguments submitted to the courts by a party not officially involved in a case. courts by a party not officially involved in a case. The last way interest groups use the courts is The last way interest groups use the courts is through class action lawsuits. through class action lawsuits.

How Interest Groups WorkHow Interest Groups Work►Public Opinion – Public opinion is often Public Opinion – Public opinion is often

slow in the way that it changes things, slow in the way that it changes things, but ultimately it does make its way but ultimately it does make its way into politics. Because of this, into politics. Because of this, successful interest groups will spend successful interest groups will spend money working to influence public money working to influence public opinion. opinion.

►The impact of interests groups can The impact of interests groups can often be seen in the high number of often be seen in the high number of incumbents elected in each campaign. incumbents elected in each campaign.

Federal Election Campaign Federal Election Campaign ActAct

► The major provisions of the 1971 Act and the 1974 The major provisions of the 1971 Act and the 1974 amendment. Note that some provisions, including amendment. Note that some provisions, including legal limits of contributions have been modified by legal limits of contributions have been modified by subsequent Act.subsequent Act.

► Requirement for candidates to disclose sources of Requirement for candidates to disclose sources of campaign contributions and campaign expenditure. campaign contributions and campaign expenditure.

► Federal Election Commission created. Federal Election Commission created. ► Public funding available for Presidential primaries Public funding available for Presidential primaries

and general elections. Legal limits on campaign and general elections. Legal limits on campaign expenditure for those that accept public funding. expenditure for those that accept public funding.

► Legal limits on campaign contributions by Legal limits on campaign contributions by individuals and organizations.individuals and organizations.

► Prohibition of campaign contributions directly from: Prohibition of campaign contributions directly from: Corporations, Labor Organizations and National Banks Corporations, Labor Organizations and National Banks Government Contractors Government Contractors Foreign Nationals Foreign Nationals Cash Contributions over $100 Cash Contributions over $100 Contributions in the Name of Another Contributions in the Name of Another

Political PartiesPolitical Parties► Political Party – team of people seeking to Political Party – team of people seeking to

control the governing apparatus by gaining control the governing apparatus by gaining office in a duly constituted election.”office in a duly constituted election.”

► Political Parties, the three headed monster. Political Parties, the three headed monster. 1.1. The electorate – the largest component of The electorate – the largest component of

the political party. This is the the political party. This is the non-office/non-party official members of a non-office/non-party official members of a political party.political party.

2.2. Party as an organization – Parties have Party as an organization – Parties have officials, offices, and staffs. The are officials, offices, and staffs. The are responsible organizing events and responsible organizing events and elections. elections.

3.3. Party in government – these are the Party in government – these are the members of a party who have been elected members of a party who have been elected to positions in the government. This may to positions in the government. This may be on the local or national level. be on the local or national level.

Tasks of the PartiesTasks of the Parties►Political parties are seen as linkage Political parties are seen as linkage

institutions. This means that they serve institutions. This means that they serve the role of transferring public opinion to the role of transferring public opinion to elected officials to help form policy. elected officials to help form policy. There are 5 jobs that the political There are 5 jobs that the political parties perform as linkage institutions.parties perform as linkage institutions.

1. Parties pick candidates – With rare 1. Parties pick candidates – With rare exception, no one can be elected to exception, no one can be elected to office without the endorsement of a office without the endorsement of a political party. The endorsement political party. The endorsement (nomination) is awarded through the (nomination) is awarded through the primaries. primaries.

Task of the PartiesTask of the Parties2. Parties run campaigns – parties help 2. Parties run campaigns – parties help

coordinate elections at all levels.coordinate elections at all levels.

3. Parties give cues to voters – Often, voters 3. Parties give cues to voters – Often, voters identify themselves with a political party. identify themselves with a political party. They depend on that party for information They depend on that party for information about candidates and issues.about candidates and issues.

4. Parties articulate policies – Political parties 4. Parties articulate policies – Political parties advocate policies that are consistent with advocate policies that are consistent with the party’s platform.the party’s platform.

5. Coordinate policymaking – Parties work 5. Coordinate policymaking – Parties work between the different branches of between the different branches of government to make sure their policy government to make sure their policy agenda can be advanced.agenda can be advanced.

Downs model of Political Downs model of Political PartiesParties

► Political scientist Anthony Downs has Political scientist Anthony Downs has developed a theory to explain how political developed a theory to explain how political parties function within society. Downs views parties function within society. Downs views the political landscape as a market place the political landscape as a market place where parties compete for members by selling where parties compete for members by selling candidates and ideas.candidates and ideas.

► Because of this parties are forced to appeal to Because of this parties are forced to appeal to the largest number of people. The result is that the largest number of people. The result is that mainstream parties are forced to advocate mainstream parties are forced to advocate policies that are not seen as too radical.policies that are not seen as too radical.

► This ultimately means that the Democrats and This ultimately means that the Democrats and the Republicans are remarkably alike. This the Republicans are remarkably alike. This may explain the sharp increase in the number may explain the sharp increase in the number of people labeling themselves as of people labeling themselves as independents.independents.

IndependentsIndependents

► There are several possible explanations for the There are several possible explanations for the increase in the number of registered increase in the number of registered independents. The most likely is a combination independents. The most likely is a combination of the feeling that the Republicans and of the feeling that the Republicans and Democrats are essentially the same and will Democrats are essentially the same and will not offer any real opportunity for change, and not offer any real opportunity for change, and the stigma of joining a third party. the stigma of joining a third party.

► Ticket Splitting – This is when people vote for Ticket Splitting – This is when people vote for multiple parties while in the voting booth. This multiple parties while in the voting booth. This has reached an all time high and shows few has reached an all time high and shows few signs of going down. The causes of this are the signs of going down. The causes of this are the same as the shift to register as an same as the shift to register as an independent. independent.

Party OrganizationParty Organization►On the local level, parties have widely On the local level, parties have widely

varying power. There influence is stronger in varying power. There influence is stronger in the larger cities. the larger cities.

►During the late nineteenth and early During the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, many local parties in large twentieth century, many local parties in large cities formed party machines (political cities formed party machines (political machines). These machines were highly machines). These machines were highly organized and rewarded loyalty with some organized and rewarded loyalty with some material benefit. This is very different than material benefit. This is very different than traditional political parties in America. traditional political parties in America. Patronage was the most common form of Patronage was the most common form of reward. This is a job, promotion, or contract reward. This is a job, promotion, or contract that was given to someone based on politics that was given to someone based on politics not merit. not merit.

► Cities like New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Cities like New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Kansas City all had political machines.and Kansas City all had political machines.

William Tweed

New York City

Tammany Hall

Richard Daley Chicago

Tom PendergastKansas City

Party OrganizationParty Organization► The role of the political party is much more The role of the political party is much more

significant on the state level. Here, the parties significant on the state level. Here, the parties are responsible for running the primaries and are responsible for running the primaries and campaigns for state and national offices. campaigns for state and national offices.

► Parties must decide between three different Parties must decide between three different types of primaries. types of primaries.

1.Closed primaries only allow members of the 1.Closed primaries only allow members of the political party participate in that party’s political party participate in that party’s primary. primary.

2. Open primaries allow voters to decide on 2. Open primaries allow voters to decide on election day which party’s primary they will election day which party’s primary they will participate in.participate in.

3. Blanket Primaries give voters a list of 3. Blanket Primaries give voters a list of candidates from both political parties and the candidates from both political parties and the voters can mix and match their selections.voters can mix and match their selections.

Party OrganizationParty Organization

► National Level – On the national level, political National Level – On the national level, political parties are very important. They are responsible for parties are very important. They are responsible for organizing the national convention. The convention organizing the national convention. The convention is where presidential candidates are officially is where presidential candidates are officially selected and the party platforms are made.selected and the party platforms are made.

► The parties are run by a National Chairperson –The parties are run by a National Chairperson –Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Reince Priebus.Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Reince Priebus.

Winning the NominationWinning the Nomination► The nomination is the official endorsement from The nomination is the official endorsement from

a political party for office. This is usually a big a political party for office. This is usually a big issue for the presidential candidates. However, a issue for the presidential candidates. However, a few congressional elections, especially in states few congressional elections, especially in states dominated by one political party, can have dominated by one political party, can have much importance placed on the nomination.much importance placed on the nomination.

► The first step in getting the nomination is The first step in getting the nomination is deciding to run. This is a big issue, in most deciding to run. This is a big issue, in most industrialized nations campaigns are no more industrialized nations campaigns are no more than 2 months long. In the US the process than 2 months long. In the US the process seems to get longer and longer. The entire time seems to get longer and longer. The entire time you are involved in the process, the more time you are involved in the process, the more time you and your loved ones are put under the you and your loved ones are put under the media microscope. This is why many people that media microscope. This is why many people that would make a good president don’t run. would make a good president don’t run.

Lee AtwaterLee Atwater

Winning the NominationWinning the Nomination► To win the nomination, a candidate must be To win the nomination, a candidate must be

officially voted on and win a majority of officially voted on and win a majority of votes at the national party convention.votes at the national party convention.

►Originally, each state selected the delegates Originally, each state selected the delegates to attend the national convention through a to attend the national convention through a caucus. These delegates are pledged to vote caucus. These delegates are pledged to vote for a specific person. These original for a specific person. These original caucuses were usually run by party bosses. caucuses were usually run by party bosses. These people selected who was able to These people selected who was able to attend the caucus and usually how they attend the caucus and usually how they would vote. As time went on, the nomination would vote. As time went on, the nomination process became more corrupt and the process became more corrupt and the candidates were usually selected after a candidates were usually selected after a great deal of back room dealing. great deal of back room dealing.

Winning the NominationWinning the Nomination► The caucus system began to change with the The caucus system began to change with the

disastrous 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. disastrous 1968 Democratic convention in Chicago. During the convention, protesters angry at the war During the convention, protesters angry at the war and the lack of minority and female representation and the lack of minority and female representation in the nomination process clashed with police. With in the nomination process clashed with police. With the media there to cover the convention, there the media there to cover the convention, there were plenty of witnesses to what was going on. were plenty of witnesses to what was going on. Many blamed the Chicago police, under the control Many blamed the Chicago police, under the control of Mayor Daley, for the violence.of Mayor Daley, for the violence.

► In response, the democrats agreed to form a In response, the democrats agreed to form a committee to explore possible changes. The committee to explore possible changes. The McGovern-Fraser Commission made several McGovern-Fraser Commission made several changes in time for the 1972 convention. Their changes in time for the 1972 convention. Their recommendations mandated a minimum women recommendations mandated a minimum women and minorities should be delegates. They also and minorities should be delegates. They also required the nomination process become required the nomination process become completely open. The result of this is that most completely open. The result of this is that most states switched to the primary process.states switched to the primary process.

PrimariesPrimaries► After the changes made by the McGovern-After the changes made by the McGovern-

Fraser commission, there was concern over a Fraser commission, there was concern over a lack of involvement of the party leadership. lack of involvement of the party leadership. This resulted in the creation of unpledged This resulted in the creation of unpledged delegates in 1984. These are national party delegates in 1984. These are national party leaders who get automatically sent to the leaders who get automatically sent to the convention as a delegate.convention as a delegate.

► The Democratic party refers to the unpledged The Democratic party refers to the unpledged delegates as “superdelegates.” The delegates as “superdelegates.” The Republican party still refers to them as Republican party still refers to them as unpledged delegates. For the Democrates, unpledged delegates. For the Democrates, there are many more of these delegates than there are many more of these delegates than the Republicans have. In total, the the Republicans have. In total, the superdelegates are about 20% of all the superdelegates are about 20% of all the delegates in attendance at the convention.delegates in attendance at the convention.

► There are 5,556 delegates at the Democratic There are 5,556 delegates at the Democratic convention. While the Republicans have convention. While the Republicans have 2,288.2,288.

Problems with PrimariesProblems with Primaries► Frontloading – This is the tendency of most Frontloading – This is the tendency of most

states to hold primaries early on to remain states to hold primaries early on to remain politically significant. In 2000, the candidates of politically significant. In 2000, the candidates of both parties had been selected within 6 weeks both parties had been selected within 6 weeks of the New Hampshire primary. of the New Hampshire primary.

► Prominent politicians find it difficult to take time Prominent politicians find it difficult to take time off to run.off to run.

►Money plays too big a of a role in the primary. Money plays too big a of a role in the primary. The nomination process is all about momentum, The nomination process is all about momentum, which means money is critical in getting the which means money is critical in getting the ball rolling.ball rolling.

► Participation in primaries is low and Participation in primaries is low and unrepresentative.unrepresentative.

► The system gives too much power to the media. The system gives too much power to the media.

McCain Feingold ActMcCain Feingold Act► Although the Federal Although the Federal

Election Campaign Act Election Campaign Act attempted to restrain attempted to restrain campaign spending, two campaign spending, two issue quickly developed issue quickly developed that significantly that significantly weakened it. The weakened it. The Supreme Court case, Supreme Court case, Buckley v. Valeo, Buckley v. Valeo, decided decided in 1976, stated that it was in 1976, stated that it was a violation of free speech a violation of free speech to limit the amount of to limit the amount of money someone spends money someone spends on their own campaign on their own campaign and struck down limits on and struck down limits on independent independent expenditures. Also, the expenditures. Also, the idea of soft money was idea of soft money was developed.developed.

McCain Feingold ActMcCain Feingold Act►Soft money is a donation that can be Soft money is a donation that can be

spent on general party costs or generic spent on general party costs or generic party ads. The act failed to put any limits party ads. The act failed to put any limits on this type of donation.on this type of donation.

► In 2002, the government attempted to In 2002, the government attempted to close the soft money loop hole with the close the soft money loop hole with the passage of the Bipartisan Campaign passage of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act, also known as the McCain Reform Act, also known as the McCain Feingold Act. Feingold Act.

►The act banned soft money donations The act banned soft money donations completely. It also increased the amount completely. It also increased the amount money an individual could donate to a money an individual could donate to a candidate and indexed future increase on candidate and indexed future increase on inflation. The last thing it did was ban inflation. The last thing it did was ban issue ads within 60 days of the election issue ads within 60 days of the election from groups not funded by PACs.from groups not funded by PACs.

McCain Feingold ActMcCain Feingold Act► The groups targeted by McCain Feingold are known The groups targeted by McCain Feingold are known

as 527 groups. They are named after the part of the as 527 groups. They are named after the part of the IRS code they fall under. These groups had IRS code they fall under. These groups had previously not been regulated by the Federal previously not been regulated by the Federal Election Commission because they do not directly Election Commission because they do not directly advocate the election or defeat of an individual. advocate the election or defeat of an individual.

► With the ban on soft money, however, the result of With the ban on soft money, however, the result of McCain Feingold, at least temporarily, is an McCain Feingold, at least temporarily, is an increase in the number of 527 groups.increase in the number of 527 groups.

► In Fall of 2004 after the elections, both political In Fall of 2004 after the elections, both political parties agreed to some regulation of these groups. parties agreed to some regulation of these groups. The new regulations require 527 groups The new regulations require 527 groups participating in federal campaigns to use at least participating in federal campaigns to use at least 50% "hard money" (contributions regulated by the 50% "hard money" (contributions regulated by the Federal Election Campaign Act) and provided for Federal Election Campaign Act) and provided for the FEC to examine representations made to the FEC to examine representations made to donors, as well as actual expenditures of funds, to donors, as well as actual expenditures of funds, to determine whether or not an organization qualified determine whether or not an organization qualified as having raised money "to influence a federal as having raised money "to influence a federal election." election."

Citizens United V. FECCitizens United V. FEC►No limits on independent expenditures No limits on independent expenditures

by corporations or unions, thus by corporations or unions, thus creating Super PACs.creating Super PACs.

►Removed the restriction on ads before Removed the restriction on ads before the election.the election.

To each candidate or candidate committee per election

To national party committee per calendar year

To state, district & local party committee per calendar year

To any other political committee per calendar year[1

Special limits

Individualmay give

$2,500 $30,800 $10,000(combined limit)

$5,000 $117,000*overall biennial limit:•$46,200*to all candidates•$70,800*to all PACs and parties[2]

National Party Committeemay give

$5,000 No limit No limit $5,000 $43,100* to Senate candidate per campaign[3]

State, District & LocalParty Committeemay give

$5,000(combined limit)

No limit No limit $5,000(combined limit)

No limit

PAC(multicandidate)[4]may give

$5,000 $15,000 $5,000(combined limit)

$5,000 No limit

PAC(not multicandidate)may give

$2,500* $30,800* $10,000(combined limit)

$5,000 No limit

Authorized Campaign Committee may give

$2,000[5] No limit No limit $5,000 No limit

Presidential DebatesPresidential Debates► One of the more important parts of a campaign for One of the more important parts of a campaign for

many Americans is the Presidential Debate. The many Americans is the Presidential Debate. The debates are a relatively new part of the campaign.debates are a relatively new part of the campaign.

► Debates are an example of how the campaigns have Debates are an example of how the campaigns have become more candidate centered in modern times. become more candidate centered in modern times.

► The first debate was between Nixon and Kennedy in The first debate was between Nixon and Kennedy in 1960. The next presidential debate took place in 1960. The next presidential debate took place in 1976. 1976.

► Originally, the League of Women voters organized Originally, the League of Women voters organized the debates, but gave up the role as the two parties the debates, but gave up the role as the two parties became more demanding. The Commission on became more demanding. The Commission on Presidential Debates currently has this role.Presidential Debates currently has this role.

► The impact of the debates has been debated. One The impact of the debates has been debated. One debate that did impact things was the 1988 debate debate that did impact things was the 1988 debate between Dukakis and Bush. The 2012 Republican between Dukakis and Bush. The 2012 Republican debates are seen as critically important. Exit polls debates are seen as critically important. Exit polls show 69% of voters said they were an important show 69% of voters said they were an important factor, with 86% saying they mattered.factor, with 86% saying they mattered.

Electoral College► History – When the

Constitution was written, the framers thought that it was reckless to allow the general public to select the president. After much discussion, it was decided that the state legislators should select a small group of well educated and respected people that would vote for the president. Article II section 1 of the US Constitution states that each state legislature has the authority to decide how their state selects electors. However, since 1828, most states have used popular vote to determine the slate of electors.

Electoral CollegeElectoral College

Electoral College

► Number of electors – Currently there are 538 electors. The number of electors each state has is based on the number of people they have in congress. This means that each state is guaranteed at least three electors. The 23rd Amendment states that even though Washington DC has no congressional representation, they are allowed to have the number of electors they would have if they were a state, but no more than the state with the least number of electors.

► For most states, the candidate who receives a plurality of the vote wins all of the electoral college votes. In Maine and Nebraska, electoral college votes are proportionally divided up.

Electoral College►Most states use what is known as a “short

ballot.” This means that only the presidential and vice presidential candidates are on the ballot. A few states still use the old method of listing the slate of electors on the ballot. Some states require a write in vote to be accompanied with a list of possible electors for that candidate.

►Electors meet at their respective state capitals on the Monday after the second Wednesday in December to cast congress their votes. These votes are sent to and are counted in January when the new secession of congress begins.