Question

The United States Congress has debated a variety of campaign finance reforms over the last decade. The proposals debated have included the following:

-Eliminating soft money
-Limiting independent expenditures
-Raising limits on individual contributions

a) Select on of the listed proposals and do all of the following:
-Define the proposal.
-Describe an argument that proponents make in favor of the proposal.
-Describe an argument that opponents make against the proposal.

Answer 1

Limiting independent expenditures is a proposal to place restrictions on the amount of money that individuals and organizations can spend on political campaigns independently from candidates. Proponents believe it helps prevent corruption and undue influence, while opponents argue it infringes on free speech rights.

Step-by-step explanation:

Proposal: Limiting independent expenditures

Proponents of limiting independent expenditures argue that it helps prevent corruption and undue influence in politics. By placing restrictions on independent expenditures, they believe that the electoral process can be more fair and balanced. They argue that unlimited independent expenditures can lead to the dominance of wealthy individuals or organizations in politics, potentially drowning out the voices of average citizens.

Opponents of limiting independent expenditures argue that it infringes on free speech rights. They believe that individuals and organizations should have the right to spend money and express their political views without undue restrictions. They argue that limiting independent expenditures stifles political discourse and prevents individuals from fully participating in the democratic process.