Campaign Finance Reform and Democracy

The transcript discusses the increasing dependence of politicians on wealthy donors, leading to concerns about a shift from democracy to oligarchy. It highlights the need for public funding of elections and the overturning of the Citizens United decision. Proposed reforms include providing citizens with funds to support candidates, aiming to democratize the political process and reduce the influence of super PACs controlled by billionaires.

What is a major concern about political candidates' reliance on wealthy donors?

• It makes candidates more accountable to the general public.

• It leads to more diverse political representation.

• It results in candidates being influenced by the interests of the wealthy.

• It increases transparency in the political process.

How does the current campaign finance system affect politicians?

• It reduces their need for campaign funding.

• It makes them more independent from wealthy donors.

• It leads them to form close relationships with wealthy donors.

• It encourages them to focus on grassroots campaigns.

What societal shift is Bernie Sanders concerned about?

• From a democratic society to an oligarchic one.

• From a capitalist society to a communist one.

• From a democratic society to a socialist one.

• From a free market society to a regulated one.

What is Bernie Sanders' first step towards reforming campaign finance?

• Increasing the number of debates.

• Overturning the Citizens United decision.

• Reducing the number of political parties.

• Limiting the length of election campaigns.

What does Bernie Sanders propose to ensure candidates have equal funding?

• Encouraging more private donations.

• Allowing unlimited donations from corporations.

• Providing public funding to match opponents' funds.

• Reducing the cost of running campaigns.

What is a potential benefit of overturning the Citizens United decision?

• It would equate free speech with financial contributions.

• It would allow more corporate influence in politics.

• It would reduce the influence of money in elections.

• It would increase the number of political advertisements.

Why does Bernie Sanders believe public funding of elections is important?

• To increase the length of election campaigns.

• To ensure candidates are not solely reliant on wealthy donors.

• To increase the number of political parties.

• To reduce the number of elections.

What innovative solution does Bernie Sanders suggest for democratizing the political process?

• Providing $100 to every citizen for campaign contributions.

• Reducing the number of elections.

• Allowing only public funding for campaigns.

• Banning all political advertisements.

What is the intended effect of providing citizens with $100 for campaign contributions?

• To reduce voter turnout.

• To democratize the political process.

• To increase the influence of super PACs.

• To increase the number of political parties.

What is a key feature of the proposed $100 contribution plan?

• It bans all forms of campaign contributions.

• It requires citizens to donate to a specific party.

• It limits contributions to only wealthy individuals.

• It allows citizens to receive a tax credit for contributions.