Description: The ability of wealthy individuals, interest groups, and corporations to influence elections, legislation, and public policy is nothing new. You may remember that virtually all of the framers of the US Constitution were wealthy, property rich men. I've made the point before that although our political system is a representative democracy, we have a capitalist economic system that encourages competition, profits, and individual freedom. There has been a long-standing debate in our country over the pros and cons of money in politics and there have been many attempts at reforming our lobbying and campaign finance laws.
For this Case Study, I'd like you to research this topic and report on your findings. There are abundant online articles on this topic. Additionally, I have provided some resources that will provide background and context for you in developing your report. I have also provided specific questions to address in this Case Study. Finally, I have attached a "rubric" or grading guideline so you can see what I'm looking for in the report and how I'll be assigning points.

Background and Context:

Chapter 10 - Money in General Elections - pages 304-308 (blue cover); pages 324-328 (green cover)

Chapter 7 - Interest Groups

http://www.propublica.org/article/money-is-speech-a-musical-history-of-campaign-finance

Case Study 1 - Fall 2015 - The Citizens United Decision and Why It Matters.docx

Case study #1 - Fall 2015 PBS Online -Pros and Cons of Campaign Reform.docx

Questions to be addressed: Case Study 1 - Fall 2015 - Questions.docx

1. What is the history of money's influence in politics (can be brief) and what are the important attempts in the last 20 years by

Congress to regulate, or the Supreme Court to interpret, campaign financing.

2. What are the pros and cons of allowing money to play a role in politics?

3. Is the influence of money in politics a current problem? If so, in what way? What mechanisms are currently used by political parties,

wealthy individuals, and interest groups to get around campaign finance laws?

4. Have any campaign reforms been proposed? What are some of them?

5. Is "Big Money" in politics a threat to democracy? In what way?

6. What is your position on the proper role of money in elections and in setting public policy? What do you base your position on?