Campaign FINANCE [AP Gov Review, Unit 5 Topic 11 (5.11)]

Summary

The video delves into the intricacies of campaign finance in U.S. politics, highlighting how escalating campaign costs and significant Supreme Court rulings shape the electoral landscape. It discusses the establishment of the Federal Election Commission, the impact of Buckley v. Valeo and Citizens United v. FEC on free speech and political spending, and the distinctions between hard money, soft money, PACs, and super PACs. The video underscores the ongoing debate about the influence of money in politics and its implications for democracy, illustrating the evolving challenges and controversies surrounding campaign finance.

Takeaways

• 😀 Campaign finance in the U.S. has become increasingly expensive, with over $14 billion spent in the most recent presidential election.
• 📜 The Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974 established the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to regulate campaign financing and set contribution limits.
• ⚖️ The Supreme Court case Buckley v. Valeo (1976) ruled that spending money on political campaigns is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment.
• 💵 There are two main aspects of campaign finance: limits on individual contributions to candidates and restrictions on how much candidates can spend on their campaigns.
• 🚪 Soft money, or contributions made to parties rather than directly to candidates, created loopholes that allowed for significant unregulated spending.
• 🔍 The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002) aimed to address soft money contributions and required candidates to endorse their advertisements publicly.
• 📣 The Citizens United v. FEC (2010) ruling further loosened campaign finance regulations, allowing unlimited corporate spending on political broadcasts.
• 🗳️ Political Action Committees (PACs) play a significant role in campaign finance, with three types: connected PACs, non-connected PACs, and Super PACs.
• ⚠️ Super PACs can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate directly with candidates, leading to concerns about their influence on democracy.
• 🤔 The debate around campaign finance continues, with critics arguing that it disproportionately empowers wealthy individuals and corporations in the political process.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video explains how the organization, finance, and strategies of national political campaigns affect the electoral process, particularly in the context of campaign finance.

How much was spent on the most recent presidential election?

Over $14 billion was spent on the most recent presidential election.

What significant law was passed in 1974 regarding campaign finance?

The Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA) was passed in 1974, establishing the Federal Election Commission (FEC) to regulate campaign finance.

What are the two key realities addressed in campaign finance regulations?

The two key realities are the limits on how much money individuals can give to a political candidate and the limits on how much a candidate can spend on their campaign.

What was the outcome of the Buckley v. Valeo case?

The Supreme Court ruled that limits on individual contributions to candidates are constitutional, but restrictions on how much a candidate can spend on their campaign violate the First Amendment's free speech protections.

What is the difference between hard money and soft money?

Hard money refers to contributions given directly to a candidate, which are regulated by law, while soft money is donated to a party or interest group and is not subject to the same regulations.

What did the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002 aim to do?

The BCRA aimed to increase the amount of hard money that could be donated to candidates and regulate the amount of soft money given to political parties.

What was the significance of the Citizens United v. FEC decision?

The Citizens United decision ruled that limits on contributions from individuals and corporations for political purposes violate free speech, allowing unlimited corporate spending on political advertising.

What are Political Action Committees (PACs)?

PACs are organizations that raise money to influence elections, with three main types: connected PACs, non-connected PACs, and super PACs.

Why are super PACs considered controversial?

Super PACs are controversial because they can accept unlimited donations and are seen as having the potential to limit democracy by giving voice only to the wealthy.