Describe what a PAC is and why it is significant. What role do PACs play in major election campaigns in the United States? Are PACs a reflection of democracy in action, a threat to democracy, or something in between? Explain
What will be an ideal response?
An ideal response will:
1, Indicate that a political action committee (PAC) is a group that raises money from individuals and then distributes money to candidates that the PAC supports. Individual contributions to PACs are limited to $5,000 per year, and PACs can provide funds up to $5,000 to a candidate for each election.
2, Indicate an understating of the arguments for and against limitations on campaign contributions. For example, some people suggest that campaign contributions should not be restricted and that contributions are a form of free speech. In this way, PAC contributions, and ideally unlimited PAC contributions, would be an indication of democracy in action. The Citizens United Supreme Court decision viewed corporate and labor contributions as a form of free speech, for example.
3, Indicate that PAC contributions may be undemocratic because these organizations do not necessarily reflect the will of the public. PACs often represent the well-organized, the wealthy, and business-related interests, and they are often not democratic.
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India faces which of the following concerns with its neighbor China?
A) Both claim the region of Kashmir as part of their national territory. B) China is blamed for Islamic militant attacks in India. C) China is a major rival in the region but is willing to discuss trade and military cooperation. D) India relies on Chinese pipelines to ship oil and gas into East Asia.
According to the "What Do You Think?" feature box, why do some consider affirmative action a form of reverse discrimination? To what extent does the public approve of affirmative action programs for racial minorities,
and how does this differ depending on the respondent's race? To what extent does the public think that college admissions should be based on enlarging diversity verses merit only? Given public opinion, should the United States continue to use affirmative action? What, if anything, should be done to reduce the racial gap in acceptance of affirmative action programs? What will be an ideal response?
In an authoritarian system, the people have ______.
a. rights but no obligations b. obligations but no rights c. rights and obligations d. neither rights nor obligations e. rights but no privileges
Federally imposed regulations are also called ______.
a. formula-based programs b. project-based programs c. mandates d. proxies