Linkage Institutions

26th Amendment

Lowered the voting age to 18

The electorate

refers to all the citizens eligible to vote in elections. It includes individuals who are registered to vote and have the legal right to participate in the electoral process.

Disenfranchised

refers to individuals or groups (Women, Racial Minorities) who are denied the right to vote or participate in the electoral process, often due to legal or systemic barriers.

Hard money donations

Hard money is from political donations that are regulated by law through the Federal Election Commission. There is a limit of $3500 to prevent bribery and nepotism.

Soft money donations

Soft money is money donated to political parties in a way that leaves the contribution unregulated (a donor can donate an unlimited amount of $).

PACs

Political action committees that raise and spend money to elect or defeat candidates.

Why is it important for candidates to attract PACs?  What can PACs do that campaigns cannot?

It's important because PACs solicit money from the group's employees or members and make contributions in the name of the PAC to candidates and political parties. PACs can raise and spend unlimited money from individuals, corporations and unions to support a candidate's election which campaigns cannot do.

Citizens United v. FEC

The Supreme Court ruled that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts cannot be limited, as this would violate the First Amendment's free speech protection. 

It was ruled constitutional because making unlimited soft money donations was ruled constitutional

Free speech arguments since they said that; Money=Political Speech

What role does the FEC play?

x (The Federal Election Commission (FEC) regulates campaign finance, ensuring compliance with federal laws governing political contributions and expenditures. )

How did Bowling Green’s Tom Noe violate campaign finance law?

He laundered money into President Bush’s re-election campaign.

Revolving Doors

The practice of moving between roles in government and the part of economy controlled by individuals, often leading to conflicts of interest.

Which groups of voters tend to vote with Republicans?

Typically, conservative voters, white core belief Christians, rural (countryside) populations, and people of older age.

Which groups of voters tend to vote with Democrats?

Generally minority groups, urban (city) residents, and younger voters.

Which groups of voters tend to not vote in elections because they lack political efficacy?

These include low-income individuals, young adults, and disenfranchised communities who feel their votes do not matter.

What are a few of the reasons that the US has such low voter turnout when compared to other democracies?

Factors include voter apathy (not caring), difficult registration processes, and lack of access to polling places, russian sadness (people who feel their vote doesnt matter)

National Rifle Association (NRA) Cause:

A prominent American lobbying group that advocates for gun rights, particularly the Second Amendment, and opposes gun control legislation.

National Right to Life Cause:

Advocates for the protection of human life, opposing abortion and euthanasia (painful killing)

Defense Contractors Cause:

Organizations that provide military equipment and services to the government, advocating for defense budgets and military readiness.

National Education Association Cause:

A professional organization representing educators that advocates for public education policies, teacher rights, and student welfare.

In 2016 the Devos family donated more than $150 million dollars to Republican PACs.  In 2017 Betsy Devos was nominated to be the Secretary of Education, despite no experience as a superintendent, principal, school board member, or teacher.  She was chosen for this post as a result of...

her family's campaign contributions

The American Anti-Corruption Act would give $100 to each voter every election cycle.  Each voter would donate their $100 to any campaign(s) they support. The intended impact of this bill would be to...

reduce the impact that large donors have on our elections.

Soft money donations are...

less regulated than hard money donations

Which of the following is NOT a way in which the federal government regulates campaigns?

• a. By establishing the FEC to regulate campaign finance activities.

• b. By banning negative campaign advertisements.

• c. By limiting how much money one person can donate directly to a candidate.

• d. By placing limits on hard money donations.

b. By banning negative campaign advertisements.

In Citizens United v. FEC the Supreme Court ruled that businesses and other interested groups...

• a. do not have free speech rights under the 1st A.

• b. must decrease their influence over elections.

• c. may donate an unlimited amount of hard money donations directly to candidates of their choosing.

• d. may donate an unlimited amount of soft money to PACs.

d. may donate an unlimited amount of soft money to PACs.