CE.5d - Funding Political Campaigns (Reading Comprehension)

Why has the high cost of getting elected changed campaigning for public office?

• It has made campaigning more accessible to all Americans

• It has limited who can run for public office

• It has decreased the influence of interest groups

• It has reduced the need for campaign finance reform

Which of the following is an example of an issue-oriented interest group?

• National Organization for Women (NOW)

• American Cancer Society

• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

• All of the above

What is the purpose of Political Action Committees (PACs) and Super PACs?

• To directly contribute to political candidates

• To limit the influence of interest groups

• To support candidates through financial contributions

• To enforce campaign finance laws

What do campaign finance reforms aim to do?

• Increase the influence of interest groups

• Allow unlimited contributions from individuals, businesses, and unions

• Place limits on contributions to political candidates and campaigns

• Encourage wealthy individuals to run for public office

Who benefits the most from the high cost of campaigning for public office?

• Wealthy individuals

• Interest groups

• Average Americans

• Political candidates

What is the maximum amount an individual, business, or union can donate to PACs and Super PACs?

• $200.00

• Unlimited

• $1,000.00

• $500.00

What type of organizations are interest groups?

• Organizations that work to influence government policies and decisions

• Organizations that directly contribute to political candidates

• Organizations that enforce campaign finance laws

• Organizations that support issue-oriented campaigns

What is the purpose of fund-raising activities in political campaigns?

• To limit the influence of interest groups

• To increase the cost of running for public office

• To support issue-oriented special interest groups

• To raise money for campaign expenses

What is the approximate cost of presidential campaigns?

• Less than one million dollars

• Around one billion dollars

• Around ten million dollars

• More than one trillion dollars

Who is most likely to be limited in their ability to run for public office due to high campaign costs?

• Wealthy individuals

• Interest groups

• Average Americans

• Political candidates