Author Question: Discuss Supreme Court rulings since 2010 related to campaign finance. How have these rulings ... (Read 175 times)

mynx · **on:** Jul 10, 2018

Discuss Supreme Court rulings since 2010 related to campaign finance. How have these rulings affected the power of individuals, corporations, and unions to shape elections? Do you agree with the Court's decisions? Explain your reasoning.

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Question 2

In The Federalist, No. 10, Madison expressed concerns about what he called factions. What are some examples of modern-day factions, and is it true that these factions pursue their self-interests at the expense of the broader public interest, as Madison

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recede · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 10, 2018

Answer to Question 1

An ideal response will:
1. Summarize the Court's decisions: in 2010, the Supreme Court reversed a long-standing ban on the use of corporate and union general funds for election communications. In 2014, the Supreme Court struck down aggregate limits on how much an individual can contribute to candidates, party committees, or PACs.
2. Evaluate the consequences of these decisions, noting the development of Super PACs since 2010 and the increased spending on campaigns.
3. Draw a conclusion regarding the merits of the Court's decisions. For instance, one might argue that protecting free speech is the most important consideration, regardless of the consequences of the decision. Alternatively, one might argue that these decisions will lead to an increase in unregulated electioneering by corporations and unions and will allow corporations, unions, and wealthy individuals to have disproportionate influence on election outcomes.

Answer to Question 2

An ideal response will:
1. Explain Madison's views about factions, which he defined as groups pursuing their self-interest at the expense of the broader public good.
2. Provide multiple of examples of modern-day groups that would be considered factions, such as specific interest groups, political action committees (PACs), or even political parties.
3. Explain what goals each faction pursues and evaluate whether the group's activities work against the public good.