You may use the following questions when discussing the campaign finance case study with your students. Here are suggestions on how to lead discussions in your classroom: Discussion Protocols
Historical Context
How does the approach to campaigning and fundraising in the early days of the American republic differ from modern practices?
Supreme Court Rulings
Analyze the Supreme Court’s decision in Buckley v. Valeo (1976). How did the court balance the regulation of campaign finance with First Amendment free speech protections?
What were the key arguments and implications of the Citizens United v. FEC (2010) ruling? How has this decision influenced the role of super PACs in elections?
Contemporary Issues
What are the arguments for and against the increased role of money in political campaigns since the Citizens United decision?
In what ways do campaign contributions represent free speech in elections that support self-governance?
