5.9-5.11 Congressional elections + CAMPAIGNS + FINANCE

What are the (3) incumbent advantages in congressional elections?

Name recognition

• People are more likely to vote for someone they know the name of

Established funding

• Representatives already have established fundraising methods for the next election

Safe Districts

• Gerrymandered districts to ensure reelection in those districts

Canvassing

The process of the president hiring volunteers to raise funds and contact people to gain their vote

What chunk of campaign finance do politicians allocate the most money to?

ADVERTISING

What is Hard Money

Money given directly to a candidate

What is SOFT Money

Money donated to a party/IG who can buy the advertising on the candidate’s behalf (way to get around hard money limitations of campaign finance laws)

Decision of Citizens United v. FEC

The SCOTUS ruled that placing limits on the amount of money corporations and unions could contribute to campaign financing was a violation of the corporation’s right to free speech under the 1st amendment.

→ Political spending by corporation and individuals is a form of protected speech

What are PACs

Organizations that raise money to create advertisements for the candidate they support

Connected PACs

Formed by members of corporations or unions → can only collect funds from the members of THE organization, which can be donated to candidates in LIMITED quantities

Non-connected PACs

Formed independently of an organization, usually around a specific interest (gun rights, women rights)

• Donations to NON CONNETED PACS are limited by law

• Though, they can accept donations by anyone from the public and donate DIRECTLY to candidates

Super PACs

Can be formed by ANYONE and can accept unlimited donations

• HOWEVER, it cannot directly fund the candidate or coordinate with them

What is the problem with SUPER PACS?

Threaten democracy by giving a voice only to those with the most money