Campaign Finance Regulations and Reforms

The video explores the evolution of campaign finance reform in the U.S., starting from the early 1800s to the present. It discusses key legislation like the Pendleton Act, Tillman Act, and the Federal Election Campaign Act, along with significant Supreme Court cases such as Buckley v. Valeo and Citizens United. The video highlights the persistent challenges in regulating campaign finance, including the influence of money in politics and the rise of Super PACs. The conclusion emphasizes the need for innovative solutions to address these ongoing issues.

What significant change did Andrew Jackson bring to political campaigning in the early 1800s?

• He implemented online fundraising.

• He abolished the electoral college.

• He campaigned broadly to new landowners.

• He introduced televised debates.

What was the main purpose of the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act of 1883?

• To increase campaign funding limits.

• To award government jobs based on merit.

• To allow corporate donations to campaigns.

• To establish the Federal Election Commission.

What was a major flaw of the Tillman Act of 1907?

• It was too expensive to implement.

• It was impossible to enforce effectively.

• It only applied to state elections.

• It increased corporate influence in politics.

What was the primary goal of the Federal Corrupt Practices Act?

• To ban all political contributions.

• To establish spending limits and disclosure requirements.

• To create the Federal Election Commission.

• To allow unlimited corporate donations.

Why did unions start forming PACs?

• To bypass restrictions on union contributions.

• To avoid paying taxes on donations.

• To increase transparency in campaign finance.

• To support only independent candidates.

What was a key outcome of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971?

• It allowed foreign donations to campaigns.

• It introduced stringent disclosure requirements.

• It banned all political advertisements.

• It eliminated the need for campaign finance laws.

What was the significance of the Buckley v. Valeo Supreme Court case?

• It banned corporate donations to political parties.

• It allowed unlimited personal expenditures by candidates.

• It struck down limits on campaign contributions.

• It upheld limits on independent expenditures.

What did the McCain-Feingold Act aim to eliminate?

• All political advertisements.

• The Federal Election Commission.

• Corporate donations to state elections.

• Soft money contributions to national parties.

What was the impact of the Citizens United v. FEC decision?

• It allowed unlimited independent political communication.

• It restricted individual contributions to campaigns.

• It banned all corporate political spending.

• It upheld the McCain-Feingold Act in its entirety.

What is a Super PAC allowed to do?

• Ban corporate donations.

• Coordinate with political parties.

• Raise unlimited funds from any source.

• Contribute directly to candidates.