Political Campaigns: Crash Course Government and Politics

The video explores the complexities of American political campaigns, focusing on their length, expense, and purpose. It explains how campaigns provide information to voters and discusses the structure and organization of campaigns, including the role of national committees. The video delves into the high costs of campaigns, the necessity of fundraising, and the impact of media. It also covers campaign finance laws, highlighting key court cases like Buckley vs. Valeo and Citizens United, which have shaped current regulations. The video concludes with a discussion on the challenges and future of political campaigns.

What is the primary purpose of political campaigns?

• To provide voters with information to choose a candidate

• To increase the popularity of political parties

• To entertain the public

• To organize political debates

Which of the following is NOT a method used by campaigns to communicate with voters?

• Cooking shows

• Social media

• Direct mail

• Stump speeches

Why are political campaigns particularly expensive?

• They need to reach a large audience and are lengthy

• They rely solely on volunteer work

• They are short and require quick funding

• They are funded by the government

What was the significance of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971?

• It eliminated all campaign spending limits

• It introduced limits on campaign spending and donations

• It banned all forms of campaign advertising

• It allowed unlimited donations to candidates

What was the impact of the Citizens United decision?

• It restricted campaign spending

• It allowed unlimited donations to candidates

• It equated money with free speech and allowed super PACs

• It banned super PACs

What is a super PAC allowed to do?

• Raise and spend unlimited money to promote a candidate

• Directly contribute to a candidate

• Limit the amount of money spent on advertisements

• Coordinate with a campaign

How does the amount spent on elections compare to other expenses?

• It is equivalent to the national defense budget

• It is more than the education budget

• It is less than what Americans spend on potato chips

• It is more than what Americans spend on healthcare