Super PACS The Ethical Dilemma The Birth of

Super PACS & The Ethical Dilemma

The Birth of Super PACS Supreme Court Cases • • Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) Speechnow. org v. Federal Election Commission (2010)

How Do Super PACS Influence U. S. Politics? Unlimited Donations from Corporations, Unions, and Individuals

Democracy Fades Away. Money Takes Over. Super PACS Explained

Lobbying & Super PACS Influence the Decisions of: Government Officials (Legislators and Regulatory Agency Members)

Lobbying in the US Government Goals of Lobbyists Types of Lobbyists • Individuals in the Private Sector • Corporations • Fellow Government Officials • Advocacy/ Interest Groups • Focus of the Legislative and Judicial Branch • Use of “Amicus Curiae” Briefs

Using Super PACS to Elect Government Officials Pros Cons Special interest issues are on the Political Agenda of candidates Too much control given to corporations, unions, and individuals The Wealthy have a platform to voice their opinion Leads to corruption of government officials and loopholes for the 1%

The Koch Brothers America's Koch Problem

The Weakening of Individual Citizens Contribution • • • Today 220 Million Americans have the Right to Vote 94% of the time — Candidates who raise the most money win 80% of presidential Super PAC money comes from 196 people

Lessons to Learn • Super PACS are not a good thing Economic Elites and Organized Groups have substantial impacts on US Government • • US Government is becoming a Plutocracy

Work Cited Anonymous, . "Citizens United at Work: How the Landmark Decision Legalized Political Coercion in the Workplace. " Harvard Law Review, 128. 2 (2014): 669 -690. Bennedsen, Morten, and Sven E. Feldmann. “Lobbying Legislatures”. Journal of Political Economy 110. 4 (2002): 919– 946. Web Dwyre, D, and E Braz. "Super PAC Spending Strategies and Goals. " Forum-a Journal of Applied Research in Contemporary Politics, 13. 2 (2015): 245 -267. Hardy, BW, JA Gottfried, KM Winneg, and KH Jamieson. "Stephen Colbert's Civics Lesson: How Colbert Super PAC Taught Viewers About Campaign Finance. " Mass Communication and Society, 17. 3 (2014): 329 -353. Rowen, Beth. "Super PACS Explained. " Info Please. N. p. , n. d. Web. 3 Dec. 2015.