Paper and policy
The Supreme Court ruled that corporations and unions have the right to spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns under the First Amendment, leading to the rise of super PACs
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
Rural (Boonsboro) vs. Urban (DC) populations
(population statistic and how it relates to question)
Boonsboro - 3,823 people
DC - 678,972 people
This uneven distribution of population between rural and urban areas can cause uneven representation in government (especially the house).
Proves Washington’s fear about regional factions
Brutus 1
Argues that a large republic is more likely to become corrupt and overrun by factions. And through this it will be unrepresentative of the people. Worried that the constitution doesnt do enough to keep the majority of the power out of the hands of the elites
Bush v. Gore (2000)
Showed how influential political factions can be in an election, especially a close election. This also showed the the courts can be used to break up political factions and make their actions less effective.
Super PACs
The influence of Super PACs and corporate donations in politics affect the ability of elected representatives to truly reflect the interests of their constituents rather than those of powerful factions
necessary and proper clause
This Clause grants Congress the power to make all laws which are necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.
US v. Nixon (1974)
This limited the power of political factions that are within the executive branch.
Rule of law - no one is above the law, not even the president
Partisan gerrymandering and how do politicians use it
This can be used as a way the presidents can figure out how they can talk to the public in a certain way to win the election
Lobby disclosure act
The Lobbying Disclosure Act created in 1995 is a document that outlines the limitations of lobbying groups. The act defines who can and who cannot lobby, and requires lobbyists and interest groups to register with the federal government.
McConnell v. Federal Election Commision (2003)
Limits political factions in elections through their money.
Campaign finance laws became stricter in how money should be raised and spent.
These limits help protect the integrity of the electoral system from being overly influenced by political factions
Indirectly decreases the influence of political factions in the election process.
January 6 United States Capitol attack
describe and how relates to question
The rise of extremist groups have accompanied the growth of party polarization. The events of January 6 were the culmination of various pro-Trump factions coming together for a common cause.
Washington's Farewell Address
He saw factions as heavily divisive and self-serving, leadinding to partisanship.
The spread of political factions can significantly undermine the will of the people in American society
2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
This law let corporate interest shape tax policies even though the public continued to push for a more equitable wealth distribution.
EPA v. EME Homer City Generation (2014)
The EPA issued the Cross-State Air Pollution Rule (CSAPR) to regulate pollutants from power plants in various states.
it addresses the limitations of Factions and their influence on Federal government proceedings.
In this case, the general welfare of the people were put over the economic interests of the industrial interests groups
Gun Control Legislation Fillibuster After Sandy Hook (2013)
Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, there was a large movement for stronger and stricter gun control laws
This type of strength is able to stop significant legislation from being passed, even if it is a bill that is mainly supported by the public.
Factions in congress, or any part of the government, can prevent progress and slow down the governmental process as a whole.