Inquiries Filed Under:

Campaign Finance

About the inquiry

This inquiry leads students through an investigation of campaign finance by examining election costs, expenditures, and the complex relationships between candidates and political-action committees. By investigating the compelling question “Does money matter in political campaigns?” students dissect contemporary political campaigns in order to assess whether or not campaign-finance reform should take place. In investigating contemporary evidence on campaigns and campaign finance, students develop an understanding of who is funding political campaigns and evaluate the extent to which campaign funding is problematic.

Compelling Question

Does Money Matter in Political Campaigns?

Staging Question

Analyze correspondence between political parties and corporations/CEOs to determine if funding is tied to political favors.

Supporting Question

How much does it cost to become a member of Congress?

Formative Tasks

List how much money members of Congress spent on their last campaigns.

Sources

Source A: Current members of the 114th Congress, 2015 Source B: Interactive campaign-finance map

Supporting Question

Where do politicians get their campaign contributions?

Formative Tasks

Write 1–2 paragraphs explaining the ways that individuals and companies can donate to political candidates.

Sources

Source A: Interactive guide to political donations Source B: Interactive congressional races Source C: Video clip from The Colbert Report

Supporting Question

How do super PACs play a role in political campaigns?

Formative Tasks

Create a graphic organizer that defines super PACs and explains their role in political campaigns.

Sources

Source A: “Civics in a Minute”: What is a Super PAC? Source B: Supreme Court Ruling Campaign Finance Source C: “Super PAC Mania”

Supporting Question

Should the government limit contributions to political campaigns?

Formative Tasks

Write a claim with evidence that answers the supporting question.

Sources

Source A: “ The Cost of Campaigns” Source B: Colbert Super PAC—Trevor Potter Source C: Collection of essays on campaign finance

Summative Performance Task

Argument: Does money matter in political campaigns? Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay) that addresses the compelling question using specific claims and relevant evidence from contemporary sources while acknowledging competing perspectives.

Extension: Create a public service announcement that addresses students’ stances on campaign-finance reform.

Taking Informed Action

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