Campaign Finance Quiz

How can corporations and unions organize fundraising since the Citizens United Decision?

• By creating PAC's

• By directly donating to one of the major political parties.

• By creating Super PAC's

• By coordinating directly with candidates

What is the main purpose of the Federal Election Commission (FEC)?

• To oversee and regulate political campaigns

• To restrict the amount of money individuals can contribute to a candidate

• To limit the amount of money a candidate can spend on their campaign

• To promote transparency in campaign finance

What did the Supreme Court rule in the Buckley v. Valeo case?

• Spending money on political campaigns is not protected by the First Amendment

• There should be no limits on how much a candidate can spend on their campaign

• Limits on campaign spending are a violation of the First Amendment

• There should be no limits on how much an individual can contribute to a candidate

What is the difference between hard money and soft money?

• Hard money is used for advertising, while soft money is used for campaign events

• Hard money is subject to campaign finance laws, while soft money is not

• Hard money is donated by individuals, while soft money is donated by corporations

• Hard money is donated directly to a candidate, while soft money is donated to a party or interest group

What did the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) do?

• Increased the amount of hard money that could be donated to a candidate

• All of the above

• Limited the amount of soft money that could be given to a party or interest group

• Required candidates to attach their name and face to political ads

What was the outcome of the Citizens United v. FEC case?

• Political spending by corporations is not protected by the First Amendment

• Limits on campaign spending by corporations were deemed unconstitutional

• Super PACs were deemed unconstitutional

• Limits on campaign contributions from individuals and corporations were deemed unconstitutional

What is a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

• A type of political advertisement

• A form of protected speech under the First Amendment

• A type of campaign finance law

• An organization that raises money to influence the population to vote for their preferred candidate

What is the main criticism of Super PACs?

• They are not regulated by the Federal Election Commission

• They are not transparent in their campaign finance

• They limit democracy and give voice only to the wealthy

• They can directly coordinate with candidates

What is the relationship between money and influence in politics?

• Money equals influence in politics

• Money has no influence in politics

• Influence is determined by the number of campaign ads

• Influence is determined by factors other than money

What has been the trend in campaign contributions since the Citizens United decision?

• Campaign contributions have increased significantly

• Campaign contributions have become more transparent

• Campaign contributions have remained the same

• Campaign contributions have decreased