In recent years, political action committee (PAC) contributions have become increasingly important in federal elections
In light of the influence of PAC money on elections and policy making, is this trend a sign of a healthy democracy, or is it a troubling development?
An ideal response will:
1. Explain what a PAC is: an organization that collects contributions from multiple individuals and distributes them to political candidates.
2. Discuss the rise of PACs since the 1970s and provide examples of specific PACs.
3. Explain and evaluate some of the implications of PACs for elections, including the fact that most congressional candidates depend on PAC money to get elected and the fact that PACs contribute disproportionately to incumbents.
4. Discuss and evaluate the influence of PACs on policy making, including the fact that PACs gain access to elected officials but are not guaranteed influence.
5. Articulate a position regarding whether PACs are good or bad for democratic governance, based on the influence of PACs on elections and policy making
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a. The wishes and desires of the constituents. b. Key decisions of the Supreme Court like Marbury v Madison. c. Constitutions and charters. d. The wishes of the most powerful lobbyists in the state capitals.
Which of the following prominent political figures attended the Constitutional Convention?
a. Gouverneur Morris b. John Adams c. Andrew Jackson d. Samuel Adams e. Thomas Jefferson