Money in Politics
Can individuals buy elections? Why or why not?
No, because of financial contribution limits.
Why is polarization normatively bad?
As politicians and parties move farther apart, compromise and legislating becomes more difficult.
Identify and explain 3 sources of the incumbency advantage.
•Perquisites of office
•Constituency service
•Drawing of District Lines
•Biases in campaign funding
•Candidate quality
•Name recognition
•Contact with voters
How does the filibuster increase staibillity?
It increases the cost or hurdles to changing the status quo.
Who is most likely to win congressional elections?
Incumbents!
What is dark money? Where does it come from?
Spending where the origins/donors are unknown. It often comes from 501c4s and Super PACs.
List three causes of polarization.
Externally....
1.A Polarized Electorate
2.Southern Realignment
3.Intentional Gerrymandering
4.Unintentional Gerrymandering (Self-Sorting)
5.Primary Elections
6.Economic Inequality
7.Money in Politics
8.Media Environment
Internally...
1.Rule Changes
2.Majority-Party Agenda Control
3.Party Pressures
4.Teamsmanship
5.Breakdown of Bipartisan Norms
Is the incumbency advantage normatively good or bad? Defend your choice.
Defend your point!
Who are the key players in the spatial model? Double points if you can name the author!
The pivotal politics model by Keith Krehbiel, includes the president, filibuster, veto override, and median member.
What is the partisan makeup of the FEC?
3 Democrats and 3 Republicans
How does money influence what happens in Congress?
We don't really know!
What evidence can we use to see that Congress has polarized?
DW-Nominate scores and the decreasing number of moderates.
How does the incumbency advantage affect challengers?
Opposition parties may be less likely to put forth a quality candidate, there might not be a challenger at all, etc.
What are the concerns or complaints of the filibuster?
You need a supermajority to pass legislation, it can increase gridlock and inefficiency, etc.
What is it called when the Senate threatens to eliminate the filibuster?
The nuclear option.
Politicians may be more respondent to their donors...
or any other reasonable answer.
How can we combat polarization?
Incentivize cross-party contact, encourage bipartisan or nonpartisan media, etc.
How can we reform the incumbency advantage?
Term limits, or any other reform.
Is the filibuster useful or should it be eliminated? Defend your position!
Is gerrymandering a legitimate cause of polarization?
No, because the Senate has never been gerrymandered.
List two reasons why money matters in elections.
• Voter Registration
• Get Out the Vote (GOTV)
• Television Advertising
• Deterrent
• Consultants, polls, information
Is polarization good or bad? Defend your position.
Explain and defend your position!
How does the incumbency advantage affect or even inhibit representation?
If incumbents know they have an electoral advantage, they may shirk their representational duties.
Why does the Senate keep the filibuster?
The filibuster forces compromise, the majority does not want to squander minority rights for when control switches, etc.
How does the incumbency advantage affect accountability?
If members are continually being re-elected, the public is not paying attention to determine if they are doing a good job and deserve reelection.