Most Significant Problem With The Electoral System Is Failure To Reform Campaign Finance

Question 1

Weaker, attempts to reform campaign finance have failed because of SC rulings and this is more significant

Answer 1

• (FECA 1974) established Federal election commission to enforce and regulate new system after watergate scandal but little impact
• legislation to reform have been overturned by SC to protect 1st amendments
• right for individuals to raise money and campaign is constantly protected
• (Buckley v valeo) ruled limits on PACS infringed against 1stA

Question 2

Two party system is more of a problem, limits democracy

Answer 2

• FPTP encourages two party domination of all elections local, state and national gov
• limits 3rd parties
• Ross Perot 19% but no ECV

Question 3

Loopholes in campaign finance have allowed super PACS to flourish

Answer 3

• appeared to have been tackled but have actually continued and worsened in the growth of candidate reliance on them
• ( citizens united v fec ) organisations should be allowed to spend an unlimited amount of political expenditure, same rights as individuals
• led to creation of superpacs
• pacs forbidden from making direct contributions to federal parties or candiates
• have dominated since 2012, use money negatively advocating for the defeat of Obama
• liberal super pacs spent most advocating for the defeat of governor Romney
• worrying trend towards negativity
• allows wealthy individuals and corps to dominate the electoral system
• 2024 pacs spent 2 billion

Question 4

Electoral college is more of a problem, exec is not directly elected

Answer 4

• indirect nature means candidates campaign on a individual state basis rather than national level so may focus on winning certain key states
• disproportionate influence
• undue power and influence to EC delegates
• 2016 7 delegates voted differently to how their stated voted
• 2024 election result down to swing Pennsylvania, most media attention

Question 5

The need to extensive finance in elections means that members of congress may focus on fund raising rather than constituents issues

Answer 5

• house of reps 2 year terms short, only have 2 years to fund run next election campaign
• build war chest

Question 6

Incumbency is more of a significant problem

Answer 6

• cannot have them limits in place
• re-elected because of name familiarity and electoral record
• limits ability for new candidates to succeed if there is an incumbent