Campaign Finance - AP US Government and Politics

1. What was the impact of Citizens United v. FEC (2010)?

   Allowed corporations/unions to spend unlimited funds on ads. Overturned Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce.

2. What is the ruling of Davis v. FEC (2008) about 'Millionaire's Amendment'?

   Struck down increased contribution limits for opponents. Violated First Amendment by restricting wealthy candidates' rights.

3. What distinguishes a 527 organization in campaign finance?

   Tax-exempt group influencing elections without advocating. Must disclose donors, unlike 501(c)(4) organizations.

4. What did the McCain-Feingold Act primarily target?

   Banning soft money contributions to national parties. Also restricted electioneering communications near elections.

5. What are 'leadership PACs'?

   PACs used by politicians to raise funds for others. Help politicians build influence and support networks.

6. What is the primary enforcement mechanism for campaign finance violations?

   FEC audits, fines, and legal actions. Can impose civil penalties and refer criminal cases.

7. What is an 'independent expenditure'?

   Spending for ads supporting/against candidates, uncoordinated. Protected as free speech under Citizens United ruling.

8. Define 'express advocacy' in the context of political ads.

   Ads explicitly urging voters to support/oppose candidates. Uses magic words like 'vote for' or 'defeat.'

9. Identify the federal agency that enforces campaign finance laws.

   Federal Election Commission (FEC). Independent agency created by FECA in 1975.

10. What does the term 'electioneering communication' mean?

    Broadcast ads naming candidates close to elections. Restricted within 60 days of general or 30 days of primary.

11. Which Supreme Court case established 'money as speech'?

    Buckley v. Valeo (1976). First Amendment protects political spending as free speech.

12. What is the significance of the Tillman Act of 1907?

    First federal law prohibiting corporate contributions. Established precedent for restricting corporate political influence.

13. Which amendment is often cited in campaign finance debates?

    First Amendment (freedom of speech). Political expenditures considered protected speech.

14. What is a 'matching funds' program?

    Government matches small contributions for candidates. Encourages small-donor participation in campaigns.

15. What is the purpose of disclosure requirements in campaign finance?

    To provide transparency about campaign funding sources. Allows voters to track money sources and potential conflicts.

16. In campaign finance, what is 'issue advocacy'?

    Ads focusing on issues, not explicitly on candidates. Avoids explicit candidate endorsement to escape regulations.

17. Define 'hard money' in the context of campaign finance.

    Regulated contributions directly to candidates. Subject to strict contribution limits and disclosure requirements.

18. What is the individual contribution limit to a national party committee?

    $36,500$ as of 2023. Higher limit reflects parties' broader organizational role.

19. Identify the main goal of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (2007).

    Increase transparency in lobbying and campaign finance. Enhanced disclosure rules for lobbying and political activities.

20. Which organization would you contact for campaign finance violations?

    Federal Election Commission (FEC). Enforces federal campaign finance laws and regulations.

21. What is the role of 501(c)(4) organizations in elections?

    They can engage in political activity without disclosing donors. Primary purpose must be social welfare, not politics.

22. What is the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) also known as?

    McCain-Feingold Act. Named after its primary sponsors, McCain and Feingold.

23. What is the impact of Shelby County v. Holder (2013) on campaign finance?

    Indirect; affected voting rights, not directly finance. Weakened voting rights protections, not campaign finance directly.

24. What does the term 'conduit contributions' refer to?

    Funds passed through an intermediary, like a PAC. Facilitates donations while maintaining contribution limits.

25. Identify the legal basis for campaign finance regulations.

    Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA). Established contribution limits and disclosure requirements in 1971.

26. What is the primary criticism against Super PACs?

    They allow influence by wealthy donors with large sums. Creates potential for corruption and inequality in elections.

27. Define 'bundling' in campaign finance.

    Collecting individual contributions to present as a group. Amplifies influence of wealthy donors and lobbyists.

28. Which type of organization must disclose their donors despite being tax-exempt?

    527 organizations. Political committees with tax-exempt status under IRC 527.

29. What is the primary purpose of campaign finance laws?

    To regulate the funding of political campaigns. Ensures transparency and limits corruption in elections.

30. What is 'soft money'?

    Unregulated contributions to parties for general activities. Banned by McCain-Feingold Act in 2002.

31. What is the legal definition of a 'political committee'?

    Group raising/spending over $1,000 for federal elections. Includes PACs, party committees, and candidate committees.

32. What is the role of state election commissions in campaign finance?

    Oversee state/local campaign finance laws and violations. Parallel federal oversight but for state and local races.

33. Which case ruled aggregate limits on individual contributions unconstitutional?

    McCutcheon v. FEC (2014). Removed overall contribution caps while keeping per-candidate limits.

34. Describe the difference between a PAC and a Super PAC.

    Super PACs can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate. Cannot coordinate with candidates but can spend unlimited amounts.

35. Identify the spending limit for coordinated party expenditures.

    Varies by state and office; set by FEC annually. Adjusted for inflation and population changes.

36. What is the threshold for PAC registration with the FEC?

    $1,000$ in contributions or expenditures. Triggers federal reporting and disclosure requirements.

37. What does the term 'dark money' refer to?

    Political spending by undisclosed donors. Often flows through 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations.

38. What is the purpose of a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

    To raise and spend money to elect/defeat candidates. Traditional PACs have $5,000 contribution limits.

39. What is the maximum individual contribution to a federal candidate per election?

    $2,900$ as of 2023. Per election means both primary and general elections count separately.

Study these flashcards