This document discusses money in elections and campaign finance reform. It poses questions about the importance of money, how the role of money has changed over time, and whether reforms have been effective. It then provides a timeline of key campaign finance laws and cases from the 1970s to the 2000s. It defines terms like PACs, hard money, soft money, and issue ads. The document examines 527 groups and their role in the 2004 election. It also discusses whether wealthy donors buy influence and debates on limiting contributions while protecting free speech.

1. MONEY IN ELECTIONS
Our Questions
‐‐‐Why is money so important in elections? How has this changed over time? Why?
‐‐‐How has Congress attempted to reform the role of money in elections? Have these reforms
worked?
‐‐‐Do wealthy contributors quot;buyquot; government influence?
‐‐‐Should the government limit campaign contributions and spending?
‐‐‐How can Americans achieve genuine campaign finance reform without jeopardizing freedom of
speech?
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2. TIMELINE OF CAMPAIGN REFORM
Date Law/Case Provisions
1971
1973
Post 1973
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3. TIMELINE OF CAMPAIGN REFORM CONTINUED
Date Law/Case Provisions
2002
2003
Post 2003
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4. DEFINITION OF TERMS
PACs
Hard Money
Soft Money
Issue Ads
527s
Examples of National Party Issues Ads: Take a look at a few. What conclusions can you make about the
purpose of these ads and their potential impact on voters.
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5. THE 527 WORKAROUND
2004: President Bush vs. Senator Kerry
Swift Boat Captains for Truth Moveon.org
Closing the Loophole:
Reform of 527s in the 2008 Election
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6. Do wealthy contributors quot;buyquot; government influence?
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7. Given all this information, should we limit campaign contributions?
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8. How do we achieve meaningful campaign financing reform without jeopardizing freedom of expression?
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