In recent decades, political action committee (PAC) contributions have become increasingly important in federal elections
In light of the influence of PAC money on elections and policymaking, is this trend a sign of a healthy democracy, or is it a troubling development?
What will be an ideal response?
An ideal response will:
1. Explain what a PAC is: an organization that collects contributions from multiple individuals affiliated with an interest and distributes them to political candidates.
2. 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 and that corporate PACs contribute disproportionately to Republicans.
4. Discuss and evaluate the influence of PACs on policymaking, 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 policymaking.
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