Essays: 7

Essay 7: 

The U.S. Congress has debated a variety of campaign finance reforms over the last decade.  The proposals debated have included raising limits on individual contributions.  Lawmakers would want to pass legislation like this so that people can donate how ever much they please to a particular campaign.    They believe it would allow candidates to raise more money, quicker and more effectively.  These lawmakers believe that it is within their rights because of the first amendment.  Proponents believe that this legislation should be passed to make it easier for candidates to raise money.
Opponents would not like this legislation to be passed because they think without a limit on contributions it could become unfair.  Without the limit it would no longer be a democratic process that is equal for all running.  They believe that having limits would create a more level playing field for competition from various groups or individuals so that their are fair levels of donation.
Another proposal that congress has debated is limiting independent expenditures.  An independent expenditure is any form of campaign contribution that is not given to a specific candidate.  An example would be a TV commercial giving aid to any particular campaign, but it was paid for and put on by a wealthy individual who is not directly connected to the campaign or candidate.  Lawmakers who are in favor of this legislation believe that the process would be more fair and democratic for all candidates if wealthy individuals couldn't donate too much money making it unfair to the rest of the contestants.
Those who aren't in favor believe that it can give a candidate a head start and possibly let them spend less on their own advertising.  Their main argument is that it would violate the first amendment and they should be able to spend their own money independently.