Buying the Vote: A History of Campaign Finance Reform

Name: Buying the Vote: A History of Campaign Finance Reform
Price: 27.21 USD
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Book Synopsis: Are corporations citizens? Is political inequality a necessary aspect of a democracy or something that must be stamped out? These are the questions that have been at the heart of the debate surrounding campaign finance reform for nearly half a century. But as Robert E. Mutch demonstrates in this fascinating book, these were not always controversial matters. The tenets that corporations do not count as citizens, and that self-government functions best by reducing political inequality, were commonly held until the early years of the twentieth century, when Congress recognized the strength of these principles by prohibiting corporations from making campaign contributions, passing a disclosure law, and setting limits on campaign expenditures. But conservative opposition began to appear in the 1970s. Well represented on the Supreme Court, opponents of campaign finance reform won decisions granting First Amendment rights to corporations, and declaring the goal of reducing political inequality to be unconstitutional.

Buying the Vote analyzes the rise and decline of campaign finance reform by tracking the evolution of both the ways in which presidential campaigns have been funded since the late nineteenth century. Through close examinations of major Supreme Court decisions, Mutch shows how the Court has fashioned a new and profoundly inegalitarian definition of American democracy. Drawing on rarely studied archival materials on presidential campaign finance funds, Buying the Vote is an illuminating look at politics, money, and power in America.

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Looking for a thought-provoking read that explores the complexities of campaign finance reform? Look no further than "Buying the Vote: A History of Campaign Finance Reform." This captivating book by Robert E. Mutch delves into the heated debate surrounding corporations as citizens and the necessity of political equality in a democracy. With a keen eye for detail, Mutch takes readers on a journey through the evolution of campaign funding, highlighting pivotal Supreme Court decisions along the way.

Discover how Congress once championed the idea that corporations should not have the same rights as citizens and fought for reduced political inequality. However, as Mutch expertly illustrates, conservative opposition and influential Supreme Court decisions began to shift the narrative. "Buying the Vote" vividly demonstrates how the Court undermined campaign finance reform, granting First Amendment rights to corporations and deeming efforts to reduce political inequality as unconstitutional.

Drawing on seldom-explored archival materials, Mutch sheds light on the complex relationship between politics, money, and power in America. This book serves as a wakeup call, urging readers to critically evaluate the state of American democracy. By immersing yourself in "Buying the Vote," you'll gain a deep understanding of the history of campaign finance reform and the challenges we face in ensuring a fair political system.

Ready to dive into the compelling world of campaign finance reform? Order your copy of "Buying the Vote: A History of Campaign Finance Reform" today and join the conversation about the future of democracy.

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