Campaign Financing and Corruption in the U.S. (From Resource Material Series No. 56, P 412-420 2000, Hiroshi Iitsuka and Rebecca Findlay-Debeck, eds. -- See NCJ-191475)

• NCJ Number: 191505
• Author(s): Anthony D. Castberg
• Date Published: December 2000
• Length: 9 pages
• Sale Source: United Nations Asia and Far East Institute for the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Japan
• Note: A paper from the 113th UNAFEI International Training Course, "The Effective Administration of Criminal Justice for the Prevention of Corrupt Activities by Public Officials," August 30-November 18, 1999.

Annotation

This paper examines America's existing system for financing political campaigns, identifies possible corrupting influences under this system, and considers the prospects for reform.

Abstract

In America, running for political office is very expensive; and since only millionaires can finance their own campaigns for national office, this means that most aspirants for office and incumbents running for re-election must rely on contributors, who usually expect something in return for their contributions. The single largest contributor to political campaigns are domestic corporations and Political Action Committees. Money contributed to political parties and not specified for a particular candidate is called "soft money," and there are virtually no limitations on how much can be given or how it is spent, as long as the spending is on "issues," voter education, party building, etc. Contributions to politicians are not always made specifically for campaigns; they are often given for favorable treatment on issues of interest to the contributor. The benefit to legislators who deal with controversial issues that affect large industries is obvious. When such issues are being considered by legislators, significant increases in campaign contributions are delivered by those who will be affected by such legislation. Many of the problems related to legislative decisions influenced by political contributions can be addressed through campaign finance reform. There are already enough laws and ethical standards to counter criminal and unethical behavior, but the fundamental problem -- the corrupting influence of money in election campaigns -- requires additional attention. It is unlikely, however, that parties and politicians who benefit from existing patterns of financing political campaigns will push for reform, even though a majority of voters want such reform. Until the public elects legislators who commit themselves to constructive campaign finance reform, the current system will continue.