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Campaign Finance: Problems and Solutions to Today's Democracy

Thomas, Connor M
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-1078-6014
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouashonors1650564437074423

Abstract Details

2022, Bachelor of Arts, Ohio University, Political Science.
The body politic is an important yet ambiguous structure in all of our lives. Some of us may not be aware of this force that we interact with every day, but that does not change that this is the reality that we all live in. Politics, the decisions within it and its following consequences, public policy, have a fundamental impact on how we operate on a day-to-day basis. It is in the houses in which we reside, the vehicles we drive, the roads we drive those vehicles on, the jobs we work, the families we raise, and the many other relationships that we unknowingly have with and experiences that are shaped by politics. It is integral to all aspects of life whether we like it or not. Ages ago, the groups we were intended to be a part of were a lot smaller. As times have progressed however, and our societies have advanced, we have become massive entities in scale and population. Our country of these United States alone represents over 300 million individuals. That is out of several billion in the world and growing. We find ourselves fortunate that we live in a country where one of the oldest forms of democracy plays out to represent the people and its needs. To make government act by and for the people with the idea of “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” being a clear mantra for us to follow. These past years have tested this theory and continues to do so today. For many, they see the system as having been corrupted over past generations piece by piece. The representative republic that we once all knew to be is not championing the republican manner nor being truly representative of the majority. Instead, it may be moving towards an oligarchical system of elites, with them defining public policy with their money and influence. This has caused the abandonment of those below them, leaving them to fend for themselves. The past few decades have been very contentious and both sides of the political spectrum argue fiercely with fiery and creed-filled debate. Many court cases have been litigated, laws have been passed, and systems have been set to make what our electoral system is today. What has come of these decisions and events? The idea of big business being able to be represented in politics for the sake of representation. Does this go against our principles, or does it fall in line with them in order to be fairer to those within the organization? Is it fair that a megacorporation hold power in a government that was intended to be run by its constituents of every occupation instead of the select few who happen to be of higher economic standings? These are some questions that we have about our own political system. Today, we see money play a much larger role in our election process. This means it inherently influences those who are elected, that means that public policy also is often decided and by money which can have ramifications for future generations. This thesis examines in depth how this system represents the values and opinions of “the people” in the country. Is our once bright republic not as bright as it once was? Or may people be overreacting in their concern where it may not be necessary? This thesis we will examine different studies, research, and readings to find out if this is the case. This thesis will encompass how our current system of laws and regulations that regulate money in campaigns and elections work within the political system. We will look at cases, for example, where arguments were made for or against this system and we will examine how elected representatives carry out policy having received funds from specific. By the end of this thesis, I hope to be able to conclude whether the system we have works democratically if at all. If it is indeed flawed, then where can we look to in order to improve it? This question is presented to us all for our exploration. Is our regulatory system of campaign finance sufficiently carrying out its purpose to ensure that American democracy is working by fairly representing a broad range of voters and interests?
DeLysa Burnier, Dr. (Advisor)
57 p.
Political Science
Campaign finance, elections, Congress, Supreme Court, Justices, Citizens United, Federal Election Commission, corruption, appearance of corruption, McConnell, McCain-Feingold, Hatch Act, Tillman Act, Lottery, Democracy Dollars, Voucher, pay-to-play, Constitution, precedent, Lessig, Balkin, Bartels, Hansen, Post

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Thomas, C. M. (2022). Campaign Finance: Problems and Solutions to Today's Democracy [Undergraduate thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouashonors1650564437074423

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Thomas, Connor. Campaign Finance: Problems and Solutions to Today's Democracy. 2022. Ohio University, Undergraduate thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouashonors1650564437074423.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Thomas, Connor. "Campaign Finance: Problems and Solutions to Today's Democracy." Undergraduate thesis, Ohio University, 2022. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ouashonors1650564437074423

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ouashonors1650564437074423
207
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This open access ETD is published by Ohio University Art and Sciences Honors Theses and OhioLINK.