Campaign Financing

Question 1

1) campaign financing
For

Answer 1

Campaign financing pressures congress to vote in a way that aligns w their interests.

PACS e.g. NRA has a massive budget for campaign contributions raising over $250M/yr

Mitt Romney received $13.6M across his career from the NRA for his senatorial and presidential campaigns

TIS as this influence of the NRA prevented any fed leg that limits gun rights despite numerous skl shootings e.g. 2012 after sandy hook shooting, the NRA’s lobbying contributed to the Manchin Bill falling 6 votes short.

Question 2

1) campaign financing
Against

Answer 2

Political parties r stronger determinants cuz party discipline enforces voting blocs on key issues.

E.g. Affordable Cares act, tax cuts job acts had a near unanimous party line vote which reflected institutional loyalty and leadership pressure, not donor influence- especially since major donors often contribute to both parties to maintain access regardless of of whose in power e.g.Koch Brothers

Question 3

2) parties vs public opinion
For

Answer 3

Pressure to vote along party lines is more important

US politics has become more polarized and partisan w fewer moderates

E.g. every week party caucuses meet to try and unite support behind their proposals where leaders exploit power of patronage such as promising chairmanship of committees and pork-barreling.

Blue did coalition, fiscally conservative caucuses, often rally behind potus on key issues, promising united support

TIS as there is growing pressure from the party leadership to vote w the view of the majority of the party, include they majority and minority whips to try and keep party in line

Question 4

2) parties vs public opinion
Against

Answer 4

Rep r more likely to vote along party lines even if it is on a position they personally oppose.

E.g. only 10 rep supported 2nd impeachment of trump 2022 despite many initially opposing trump

TIS as due to rep party’s string base support for trump, rep members would’ve placed themselves at great risk of not being reflected if they vote to impeach

Question 5

3) external factors
SC

Answer 5

The SC citizens united ruling, while expanding influence of campaign financing, ultimately reinforced the importance of political parties in determining congressional behaviour.

Unlimited independent spending empowering wealthy donates and super PACS.

Question 6

3) external factors
Agaisnt

Answer 6

In practice, this money overwhelmingly funds partisan warfare, strengthening parties rather than creating a separate donor controlled influence as they protect incumbents and attack opponents

Gerrymandering creates safe seats- making members more loyal to party extremes than to broader compromise, increases polarization.

E.g. gerrymandered North Carolina district, a republican rep consistently votes w the far right