What happened in the watergate scandal 1972? | Nixon paid people to spy/break in to the democratic offices and to cover it up. Nixon was removed from office for his actions but it uncovered the murky world of campaign finance |
What did they learn about donations to the Nixon campaign | He had millions of secret donations not only from individuals but from corporations too such as the dairy companies to change the price of milk |
What was this secret donation to parties instead of individuals called? | soft money |
How did Bill Clinton raise money for his re election campaign? | by having dinners and sleepovers at the white house with his trustees who donated a significant amount |
What was the loophole in 1974 campaign finance law? | This is because although there were limits on donating to individuals there was none on donating to parties |
How did McCain close the soft money loophole in 2002? | by not allowing unlimited contributions to parties |
How did the SC undermine campaign finance reform in 2010? | by arguing corporations are individuals and the limits on campaign finances they violated freedom of speech |
What argument is there for more money in campaigns? | The more money spent, the more informed voters are |
Who could individuals and corporations now give unlimited money to? | outside political groups such as 501 groups and super pacs |
What is the difference between super pacs and 501 groups? | super pacs have to declare their donors whereas 501's do not so they are known as dark money |
What is the money from these groups spent on? | ads, leaflets and campaigns |
What is hard money? | Cash from political donations that are regulated by law |
What are matching funds? | federal money given by the FEC to certain presidential candidates who meet the criteria, but it comes with certain limitations |
What are political action committees | a committee that raises a limited amount of funds and spends these contributions on electing or defeating candidates |
What is hybrid PAC? | can act as a super pac or a traditional pac with two separate bank accounts for both |