The ability to run for office, the protection of political speech embodied in the First Amendment, and elected officials being responsive to the electorate are all essential to a functioning democracy. But running for office, giving speeches, and getting heard takes money. How we fund our elections can affect who runs for office, how candidates campaign, the issues discussed, the information voters receive, to whom elected officials are responsive once in office, and opportunities for real and apparent corruption.

Attempts to address these issues include requiring the disclosure of campaign finance information, limiting the size and source of contributions, and finding alternative methods to finance campaigns, among others. This class will focus on the laws, including the Federal Election Campaign Act, its various amendments, state campaign finance provisions, as well as the significant court decisions, which have created our current campaign finance laws.

Additional Information:
Credit Hours: 2
Grading Option: Letter Grade Only
Graduation Writing Requirement: No
Flexible/Upper-Level Writing Requirement: Yes
Skills Requirement: No
Simulation Course: No
Experiential Learning: No
Seminar: Yes
Special Withdrawal Course: No
Final Exam Given: No
Paper Or In-Class Presentation: Yes, Paper
Attendance Policy: Per Statement Of Student Policies
Teaching Method: In Person

* The law school has a policy that is used to calculate credit hours. Please see the Statement of Student Policies.