Paper Summary:

This paper examines the financial aspects of political life in the American democracy. It looks at the positive role lobbyists can have in protecting the rights of minorities. The paper describes how in reality special interest groups represent little more than themselves and their ability to shower gifts and favors on politicians. The author looks at alternative ways to fund politics and even the playing field for all.

From the Paper:

"In modern day America, it costs an enormous amount of money to get elected to national or statewide office. In 2002 alone, Democrats and Republicans spent somewhere in the neighborhood of one billion dollars on their various campaigns. This includes both soft and hard money, with the Republicans out-fundraising the Democrats in hard money by more than two to one: $289 million for the Republicans, and $127 million for the Democrats. (Oppel, 2002) Television, radio, print, and Internet advertisements do not come cheap, and it is rare that a candidate can raise the sums necessary from individual supporters alone. Candidates need well-heeled, organized groups to help them fill their war chests."

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