Question

Discussion topic: Are campaign contributions and associated campaign spending corrosive to democracy? Why or why not? Would you support strong limits on campaign contributions? Explain why or why not. Must be 300 words minimum

Answer 1

Ans) Camapaign contributions whether individual or through institutions or political committees should be limited, as these may posses a severe threat to democracy and also may lead to the infringement of civil rights in Regards to democracy and elections. Over the years several acts have been laid down to regulate the contributions such as; Tillman Act of 1907, Federal election campaign Act, 1971, Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (2002) and so on. These acts have proved to be prudent enough to tighten the rules of contributions.

Yes, a positive support towards the limitations on campaign contributions should be extended as, if there are no regulations on them the usage of such contributios can be used to manipulate elections and public mindset which is against the policies of democracy. In regards to the federal level elections, public funding is limited to subsidies for presidential campaigns. A "matching" program for the first $250 of each individual contribution during the primary campaign, (2) financing the major parties' national nominating conventions, and (3) funding the major party nominees' general election campaigns. And in order to receive subsidies in the primary elections, candidates must qualify by privately raising $5000 each in at least 20 states.

The impact of public contributions was as such that several studies which were carried out, found that politicians made themselves more available for meetings with individuals when they believed that the individual's contribution to their campaign was in huge numbers.