Campaign financingCampaign financing

Chapter 17Chapter 17

CostsCosts

• 2008 Presidential Election- Costs were 1.784 billion.

• Candidates spend money for primary and general election.

• Money spent for TV Spots, internet ads, appearances. Travel, campaign staff, etc.

Finance LawsFinance Laws

• 1970’s try to eliminate illegal, secret contributions- Nixon, LBJ/”Fat Cats”

• Federal Elections Commission(1974)- independent agency that regulates amounts given to candidates and party.

• 1,000 per candidate and 5,000 per party/committee. 25,000 per year.

Current laws Current laws

• 2002 Bi-partisan Campaign Finance Reform Act

1. Soft Money- Given for general purposes, voter drives, ads, party mailings- $2,000 per individual.

2. Unions and corporations were banned from issue ads of a candidate for up to 60 days before an election.

3. Web Sites that cost $250.00 or more are regulated by the FEC.

Changes?Changes?

• Questions?

• What changes would you like to see to campaign funding/financing.

Chapter 17 Study booklet.Chapter 17 Study booklet.

• Create a study booklet that shows understanding of the following areas:

• 1. Campaign finance

• 2. Expanding Voting Rights

• 3. Influences on Voters.

• 17-1: Election Campaigns• I. Electing the President• A. Electoral votes and states• B. Campaign Strategy• C. Campaign Manager• D. TV• E. Internet• What should you know? Why is it important?