Ap Gov Chapter 9

'Hard" money vs. "soft money"

'Hard money" refers to tightly regulated contributions to candidates, while "soft money" refers to unregulated unlimited contributions to political parties for so-called "party building" activities. Traditionally, soft money donations have been used for get-out-the vote drives,voter registration efforts and ads that say "Vote for Democrats" or Vote for Republicans." potential uses of soft money, however, were limited by Congress with the passage of the 2002 campaign finance law known as McCain-Feingold.

What were the main features of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1974?

1. Created the Federal Election Commission (FEC) 2. Provided partial public financing for presidential primaries and general elections. 3. Provided full public financing for major party candidates in the general election. 4. Required full disclosure 5. Limited contributions 6. Created the Presidential Election Campaign Fund

List five criticisms of the primary and caucus systems.

1. Disproportionate attention goes to the early caucuses and primaries. 2. Prominent politicians find it difficult to take time out from their duties to run 3. Money plays too big of a role in the caucuses and primaries. 4. Participation in primaries and caucuses is low and unrepresentative. 5. The system gives too much power to the media.

List ten things candidates must do effectively organize their campaigns.

1. Get a campaign manager. 2. Get a fund-raiser. 3. Get a campaign counsel. 4. Hire media and campaign consultants. 5. Assemble a campaign staff. 6. Plan the logistics. 7. Get a research staff and policy advisors. 8. Hire a pollster. Get a good press secretary. 8. Establish a website.

What are two factors that determine media coverage of a campaign?

1. How candidates use their advertising budget. 2. The "free" attention they gat as newsletters

What three factors tend to weaken campaigns' impacts on voters?

1. Most people pay relatively little attention to campaign in the first place; they pay attention to things they already agree with and interrupting events. 2. Factors such as party identification though less important than they used to be; still influence voting behavior regardless of what happens in the campaign. 3 Incumbents start with a substantial advantage in terms of name recognition and an established track record.

What are the three effects campaigns can have on voters?

1. Reinforce voter's preferences for candidates 2. They can activate voters, getting them to collect money or ring doorbells as opposed to merely voting. 3. They can convert, changing voter's minds.

What were the three main provisions of the McCain-Feingold Act (2002)?

1. The increase in the amount that individuals can give to candidates, to rise with inflation (banning of soft money contributions) 2. The baring of groups from running 'issue ads" within 60 days of an election if they refer to a federal candidate and not funded through a PAC. 3. The prohibition of a corporations and unions use of general treasury funds to pay for electioneering communications in the last 60 days of the election.

List three elements needed for success in the nomination game.

1. money 2. media attention 3. momentum

What are the primary functions of the national party conventions?

1. scripted to present each party in its best light 2. delegates are there merely to support their candidate 3. the party's leaders are in force as are many important followers 4. develop the party's policy positions and promote political representation.

'501(c) (4) groups

501 (c) (4) groups are another type of tax-exempt group,named fora section of the tax code. They have grown popular in recent years, after the FEC raised questions about how some 527 groups were operating. The earnings of these 501(c) (4) groups must be limited to 'charitable,educational. or recreational purposes". They have an unlimited ability to lobby for legislation and participate in political campaigns and elections. There are no political donations limits to 501 (c) (4) but such donations are generally not tax-deductible. These organizations do not have to disclose their donors.

'527' groups

527s are certain tax-exempt groups operating in part as political organizations. Named afeter a section of the US tax code, they are largely funded by rich individuals, labor unions and advocacy groups .They gained attention in the 2004 campaign through the campaign activities of organizations such as Swift Boat Veterans for Truth.-hinting not to vote for Kerry.

Super PACs

A direct result of high court's 2010 ruling, which placed individuals and corporations on equal "free speech" footing when it comes to independent campaign spending. Technically known as "independent expenditure-only committees," super PACs may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, associations and individuals, then spend unlimited sums to overtly advocate for or against political candidates. Super PACs must also report their donors to the FEC monthly or quarterly --the super PACs choice --as a traditional PAC would. That choice may prevent some donor disclosure until after the elections take place. Unlike traditional PACs, super PACs are prohibited from donation money directly to political candidates.

What reforms did the McGovern-Fraser Commission bring to the Democratic Party?

All delegate selection procedures were required to be open, so that party leaders had no more clout than college students or anyone else that wanted to participate.

Federal Election Commission(FEC)

An independent regulatory agency created by Congress with the mandate to "administer and enforce the statute that governs the financing of federal elections" according to its website.

Corporate donations

Direct contributions from corporations to political parties and candidates for president and Congress are banned under longstanding federal law. the "corporate" label can mean private businesses, labor unions and nonprofit special interest or advocacy groups. Businesses had been prohibited from making such contributions since 1907, labor unions since 1942. Corporations can, however make donations through political action committees.

How might campaigns affect the scope of government?

During campaigns politicians promise that the gov will do more.

Individual donations

Feral law limits this kind of direct contributions to a federal candidate to $2500 per election. Direct contributions to a national political party are capped at $30800 per election. Elections such as primaries, general elections and special elections are counted separately.

Present an argument that political action committees are essential to a successful campaign.

PACS are essential because the high cost of running office ensures the candidate's continuing major role in the campaign process.

Political Action Committee (PACs)

PACs are separate entities set up by business, labor,individuals or other special-interest groups to raise and spend money to directly help elect federal and state candidates. PACs may give up to $5000 per candidate and $15000 for a political party each year. PACs may solicit money from individual employees, shareholders, or members, who themselves may contribute $5000 per year to the PAC. The National Association of Realtors PAC spent the most money in 2008, more than $4 million. The Supreme Court's Citizens United Ruling made independent spending lawful, but corporations or unions that want to contribute to federal candidate campaigns must still rely on traditional PACs for that purpose. PACs are subject to donor disclosure rules.

Public funding

Presidential candidates who have enough donations can qualify for federal money to match what they have raised privately. Public matching funds apply only during primary contests,whereas major party presidential nominees qualify for a lump sum grant that can be used for general election in November. In return for accepting public funds,candidates must agree not to go over specified spending limits. President Barack Obama opted out of federal matching funds during his 2008 primary race, because he was able to raise so much money from private donors. He also turned down public funds in the general election.

What is meant by the 'permanent campaign"?

The process of selecting American leaders is a long and convoluted one that has little downtime before it rears up all over again.

Issue ads

These ads are the most prevalent form of spending by outside groups, like Freedom's Watch and the National Abortion Rights Action League(NARAL). They can indirectly express support for or opposition to a candidate but may not explicitly urge the viewer to vote for or against that candidate. Critics of such advertising call them thinly disguised campaign commercials. Sponsors do not have to disclose their donors or source of funding, and political parties themselves are free to use their money on these issue ads.