Special Interest Groups
What is a special interest group?
Group of people with a common interest who want to influence public policy
What amendment/right is used in Citizens United vs. FEC?
The 1st Amendment, freedom of speech
What is soft money?
Political contributions to political parties not used for supporting a specific candidate.
What is the FEC? What is their job?
The Federal Election Commission
Their role is to protect the integrity of the federal campaign finance process (or something similar)
What is the financial contribution limit for Super-PACs?
There is an unlimited financial contribution limit for Super-PACs
Name three types of special interest groups?
Economic
Ideological- longest surviving
Single Issue- shortest
Public Interest
Foreign Policy
Groups of People
Religious
What was the decision in Citizens United vs. FEC? Explain the ruling.
The court ruled in favor of Citizens United, arguing that spending money on political campaigns/advertising is an example of free speech, so it cannot be limited by the government
What does PAC stand for?
Political Action Committee
True or False: Part of the BCRA was ruled unconstitutional.
TRUE!
Which can a Super-PAC NOT donate to?:
A. Direct support/money to a candidate for their campaign
B. An independent organization making a documentary about a single candidate
C. An independent ad campaign supporting a third party candidate
D. A media company spreading awareness about a candidate they support
Answer: A
Which Federalist Paper addresses special interest groups?
Federalist Paper #10
What kind of groups did the ruling in Citizens United vs. FEC create?
SUPER-PACS!
What is the term for the policy-making relationship among the congressional committees, the bureaucracy, and interest groups?
The Iron Triangle
True or False: The ruling in Buckley v. Valeo limited how much could be spent in a political campaign
FALSE! The ruling said that campaign limits were unconstitutional
True or False: Some argue that Super-PAC’s give more power to individuals with less money as they do not have to send money directly to a candidate.
False! Some argue that Super-PACS give those with money more power
Why does allowing many interest groups with different interests and opinions not cause one interest group to take over?
Because the interest groups cancel each other out, as they will want their interest on top. They will have to negotiate with each other and compromise.
Which presidential candidate was Citizens United trying to criticize?
Hillary Clinton
True or False: Special interest groups can provide amicus curiae briefs on cases they have opinions on. What does amicus curiae mean in latin?
True + “Friend of the court”
What does the BCRA stand for? What year was it enacted?
The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act was implemented in 2002!
What is the alternative name for a Super-PAC?
Independent Expenditure-only Committees