Campaign Financing

We are currently watching the Frontline program "Big Sky, Big Money"  You can watch it by clicking HERE

We will have a debate in class next week on whether or not campaign spending should be limited and in what ways.

LINKS TO DEBATE STARTERS
    youdebate.com
    citizenjoe
    debate.org

Page 463 of the text outlines the fundamental arguments on both sides.

For Wednesday 9/24) you will need to have 5 arguments on both sides of the fight (including ways to limit spending)

You also need to define/answer the following:

1. What are PACs? (478)

           1.A Name 2 PACs and political candidates they support (Dem or Rep or other) How much have
            they contributed?

2.What is a caucus? (464) Are they more or less democratic than a nominating convention?

3.What is a primary election and what are the (2) types? (465)

4.How many states held primaries in 2012? Click HERE for a chart

5.Why are the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire primary 2 of the most important events of the primary season?

6.How much money did the campaigns of Obama and Romney spend leading up to the general election in 2012?

            6. AHow much money was spent by outside private groups (PACs and 501c4s) during the same period?

7. What is Citizens United?  What effect has the ruling had on campaign finance?