Impact of Campaign Contributions on Policy in Congress

Impact of Campaign Contributions on Policy in Congress Dominique Ornelas   The Impact of Campaign Contributions on Policy Making in Congress Introduction From the 1960s and continuing through the 1980s the number, activity and diversity of interest groups being represented in Washington proliferated. Observers of this phenomenon, primarily journalist, argue that the rise in interest group activity has resulted in interest groups enjoying far too much influence in Congress (Smith, 1995; Stratmann, 2000). However, scholars paint a far less certain picture as to the nature of interest group influence in Congress. This lack in academic consensus has led to a wealth of research. This research largely focuses on one question: how and to what extent do the campaign contributions of special interest groups influence the legislative decisions and actions of individual members of Congress. In this paper I will inventory and review this research to convey as clear as possible where we are in our understanding of whether or not campaign contributions influence the decisions of individual members of the U.S. Congress and conduct a content analysis Literature Review The increase of Political Action Committees involvement in congressional elections have resulted in journalist, scholars and the American public growing increasingly concerned about the influence of campaign contributions by interest groups. However, whether or not campaign contributions by interest groups influence congressional decision making is still a subject of popular and academic debate. The popular perception is that a great deal of corruption arises from large contributions to candidates and political parties or from certain types of expenditures on behalf of those parties and candidates (Persily Lammie, 2004). Sixty five percent of Americans believe that campaign contributions by special interest groups result in Member of Congress giving the contributor’s opinion special consideration because of the contribution (Smith, 2013). Figure 1 depicts the trend that as the presence and activity of interest groups increases so does public perception that government officia ls are crooked (Persily Lammie, 2004), thus conveying the idea that American’s believe Congress is beholden to special interest. Figure 1: Trends in Public Opinion of Government (1958-2002) Similarly, journalist have argued that campaign contributions contribute to the overrepresentation of special interest in Congress at the expense of the interest of unorganized citizens (Choate, 1990; Clawson, 1992; Curtis, 1990; Drew, 1983; Smith, 1990). However, according to several scholars popular opinion and the evidence that is presented by journalist in support of claims that campaign contributions impact Congressional policy making is seriously flawed (Smith, 1995; Souraf, 1992). As stated by Richard Smith (1995), Souraf (1992) and Edsall the research presented by journalist consists of various stories, interviews with lobbyist and members of Congress and correlation studies that do not present a causal relationship between the campaign contributions of interest groups and congressional decision making (Smith, 1995). In other words, a significant correlation between money and votes does not justify the conclusion that money buys votes and journalist failed to provide substantive evidence that suggest members of Congress would’ve voted differently if it were not for the contributions of interest groups (Thomas Stratmann, 2000). In fact, according to several sources, when you aggregate the research the work of scholars seems to suggest that the campaign contributions of special interest groups exert far less influence over Congress than commonly thought. However because there is less consensus amongst the academic community it is difficult to formulate a firm and concise conclusion. Moreover, this lack of academic consensus has led to a wealth of literature filled with conflicting results. Consider first the works concerning how campaign contributions effect roll call voting behavior on the House and Senate floor. On one hand you have various scholars asserting that campaign contributions by interest groups do marginally impact congressional roll-call voting behavior. For instance , a study conducted by Fleisher (1993) that analyzed how PAC contributions from defense contractors influence member’s votes for pro-defense positions on the floor showed that PAC contributions do in fact have an effect on the roll-call voting behavior of members of Congress (Fleisher, 1993). Similarly studies conducted by Stratmann (1991), Durden, Shogren and Silberman (1991) and Langbein and Lotwis (1990) all show that there’s a causal relationship between the campaign contributions of interest groups and congressional voting behavior. However, at the other end of the spectrum you have scholars asserting the exact opposite. Scholars Chappell (1982), Grenzke (1989), and Rothenberg (1990) all report views that suggest there is no statistically significant relationship between campaign contributions and members of Congress’ roll-call voting. However, between the two extremes lies research that purports mixed results. According to observations of Richard Smith several scholars including: Kau and Rubin (1981, 1982), Neustadl (1990) and Langbein (1993) all purport an array of results. The study conducted by Laura Langbein concludes that campaign contributions are effective primarily when the group’s ideology is consistent with the members underlying ideology and constituency. Another study conducted by Neustadl reports that the effectiveness of interest group contributions varies by the saliency of the issue. This lack of academic consensus is visible whether one looks at the House or the senate and whether one analyzes single votes or a string of votes. So how does one overcome these discrepancies in findings? In this study I will critically analyze the research as a whole and conduct a content analysis to look for areas in which there is academic consensus and determine the conditions under which, according to scholars, campaign contributions by interest groups have the most influence on the voting behavior of members of Congress. Data and Methods To examine the influence of campaign contributions by interest groups on the decisions of individual member of the U.S. Congress I will analyze†¦x amount of sources and conduct a content analysis. A content analysis is especially appropriate for this study because it will enable me to identify common themes throughout the literature and shed light on the areas in which interest group campaign contributions can influence the decisions of individual members of Congress. References Berry, Jeffrey M. Citizen Groups And The Changing Nature Of Interest Group Politics In America. Annals Of The American Academy Of Political And Social Science (1993): 30. JSTOR Arts Sciences VII. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. Chappell Jr., Henry W. Campaign Contributions And Voting On The Cargo Preference Bill: A Comparison Of Simultaneous Models.Public Choice36.2 (1981): 301-312.Business Source Complete. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. Fleisher, Richard. PAC Contributions And Congressional Voting On National Defense.Legislative Studies Quarterly18.3 (1993): 391-409.Political Science Complete. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. Fordham, Benjamin O., and Timothy J. McKeown. Selection And Influence: Interest Groups And Congressional Voting On Trade Policy. International Organization 57.3 (2003): 519-549. PsycINFO. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. Kasniunas, Nina Therese. The Influence Of Interest Groups On Policy-Making In Congress. Conference Papers Midwestern Political Science Association (2007): 1-31. Political Science Complete. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. Langbein, Laura I. Pacs, Lobbies And Political Conflict: The Case Of Gun Control.Public Choice77.3 (1993): 551-572.Business Source Complete. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. Neustadtl, Alan. Interest-Group Pacsmanship: An Analysis Of Campaign Contributions, Issue Visibility And Legislative Impact.Social Forces69.2 (1990): 549-564.Business Source Complete. Web. 12 Mar. 2014 Persily, Nathaniel, and Kelli Lammie. Perceptions Of Corruption And Campaign Finance: When Public Opinion Determines Constitutional Law.University Of Pennsylvania Law Review153.1 (2004): 119-180.Index to Legal Periodicals Books Full Text (H.W. Wilson). Web. 12 Mar. 2014. Rubenzer, Trevor. Campaign Contributions And U.S. Foreign Policy Outcomes: An Analysis Of Cuban-American And Armenian-American Interests. Conference Papers International Studies Association (2008): 1-48. Political Science Complete. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. Stratmann, Thomas. Can Special Interests Buy Congressional Votes? Evidence From Financial Services Legislation. Conference Papers American Political Science Association (2002): 1. Political Science Complete. Web. 12 Feb. 2014. Welch II, William M. The Federal Bribery Statute And Special Interest Campaign Contributions.Journal Of Criminal Law Criminology79.4 (1989): 1347-1373.Political Science Complete. Web. 12 Mar. 2014.

Impact of Campaign Contributions on Policy in Congress

Impact of Campaign Contributions on Policy in Congress Dominique Ornelas   The Impact of Campaign Contributions on Policy Making in Congress Introduction From the 1960s and continuing through the 1980s the number, activity and diversity of interest groups being represented in Washington proliferated. Observers of this phenomenon, primarily journalist, argue that the rise in interest group activity has resulted in interest groups enjoying far too much influence in Congress (Smith, 1995; Stratmann, 2000). However, scholars paint a far less certain picture as to the nature of interest group influence in Congress. This lack in academic consensus has led to a wealth of research. This research largely focuses on one question: how and to what extent do the campaign contributions of special interest groups influence the legislative decisions and actions of individual members of Congress. In this paper I will inventory and review this research to convey as clear as possible where we are in our understanding of whether or not campaign contributions influence the decisions of individual members of the U.S. Congress and conduct a content analysis Literature Review The increase of Political Action Committees involvement in congressional elections have resulted in journalist, scholars and the American public growing increasingly concerned about the influence of campaign contributions by interest groups. However, whether or not campaign contributions by interest groups influence congressional decision making is still a subject of popular and academic debate. The popular perception is that a great deal of corruption arises from large contributions to candidates and political parties or from certain types of expenditures on behalf of those parties and candidates (Persily Lammie, 2004). Sixty five percent of Americans believe that campaign contributions by special interest groups result in Member of Congress giving the contributor’s opinion special consideration because of the contribution (Smith, 2013). Figure 1 depicts the trend that as the presence and activity of interest groups increases so does public perception that government officia ls are crooked (Persily Lammie, 2004), thus conveying the idea that American’s believe Congress is beholden to special interest. Figure 1: Trends in Public Opinion of Government (1958-2002) Similarly, journalist have argued that campaign contributions contribute to the overrepresentation of special interest in Congress at the expense of the interest of unorganized citizens (Choate, 1990; Clawson, 1992; Curtis, 1990; Drew, 1983; Smith, 1990). However, according to several scholars popular opinion and the evidence that is presented by journalist in support of claims that campaign contributions impact Congressional policy making is seriously flawed (Smith, 1995; Souraf, 1992). As stated by Richard Smith (1995), Souraf (1992) and Edsall the research presented by journalist consists of various stories, interviews with lobbyist and members of Congress and correlation studies that do not present a causal relationship between the campaign contributions of interest groups and congressional decision making (Smith, 1995). In other words, a significant correlation between money and votes does not justify the conclusion that money buys votes and journalist failed to provide substantive evidence that suggest members of Congress would’ve voted differently if it were not for the contributions of interest groups (Thomas Stratmann, 2000). In fact, according to several sources, when you aggregate the research the work of scholars seems to suggest that the campaign contributions of special interest groups exert far less influence over Congress than commonly thought. However because there is less consensus amongst the academic community it is difficult to formulate a firm and concise conclusion. Moreover, this lack of academic consensus has led to a wealth of literature filled with conflicting results. Consider first the works concerning how campaign contributions effect roll call voting behavior on the House and Senate floor. On one hand you have various scholars asserting that campaign contributions by interest groups do marginally impact congressional roll-call voting behavior. For instance , a study conducted by Fleisher (1993) that analyzed how PAC contributions from defense contractors influence member’s votes for pro-defense positions on the floor showed that PAC contributions do in fact have an effect on the roll-call voting behavior of members of Congress (Fleisher, 1993). Similarly studies conducted by Stratmann (1991), Durden, Shogren and Silberman (1991) and Langbein and Lotwis (1990) all show that there’s a causal relationship between the campaign contributions of interest groups and congressional voting behavior. However, at the other end of the spectrum you have scholars asserting the exact opposite. Scholars Chappell (1982), Grenzke (1989), and Rothenberg (1990) all report views that suggest there is no statistically significant relationship between campaign contributions and members of Congress’ roll-call voting. However, between the two extremes lies research that purports mixed results. According to observations of Richard Smith several scholars including: Kau and Rubin (1981, 1982), Neustadl (1990) and Langbein (1993) all purport an array of results. The study conducted by Laura Langbein concludes that campaign contributions are effective primarily when the group’s ideology is consistent with the members underlying ideology and constituency. Another study conducted by Neustadl reports that the effectiveness of interest group contributions varies by the saliency of the issue. This lack of academic consensus is visible whether one looks at the House or the senate and whether one analyzes single votes or a string of votes. So how does one overcome these discrepancies in findings? In this study I will critically analyze the research as a whole and conduct a content analysis to look for areas in which there is academic consensus and determine the conditions under which, according to scholars, campaign contributions by interest groups have the most influence on the voting behavior of members of Congress. Data and Methods To examine the influence of campaign contributions by interest groups on the decisions of individual member of the U.S. Congress I will analyze†¦x amount of sources and conduct a content analysis. A content analysis is especially appropriate for this study because it will enable me to identify common themes throughout the literature and shed light on the areas in which interest group campaign contributions can influence the decisions of individual members of Congress. References Berry, Jeffrey M. Citizen Groups And The Changing Nature Of Interest Group Politics In America. Annals Of The American Academy Of Political And Social Science (1993): 30. JSTOR Arts Sciences VII. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. Chappell Jr., Henry W. Campaign Contributions And Voting On The Cargo Preference Bill: A Comparison Of Simultaneous Models.Public Choice36.2 (1981): 301-312.Business Source Complete. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. Fleisher, Richard. PAC Contributions And Congressional Voting On National Defense.Legislative Studies Quarterly18.3 (1993): 391-409.Political Science Complete. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. Fordham, Benjamin O., and Timothy J. McKeown. Selection And Influence: Interest Groups And Congressional Voting On Trade Policy. International Organization 57.3 (2003): 519-549. PsycINFO. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. Kasniunas, Nina Therese. The Influence Of Interest Groups On Policy-Making In Congress. Conference Papers Midwestern Political Science Association (2007): 1-31. Political Science Complete. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. Langbein, Laura I. Pacs, Lobbies And Political Conflict: The Case Of Gun Control.Public Choice77.3 (1993): 551-572.Business Source Complete. Web. 12 Mar. 2014. Neustadtl, Alan. Interest-Group Pacsmanship: An Analysis Of Campaign Contributions, Issue Visibility And Legislative Impact.Social Forces69.2 (1990): 549-564.Business Source Complete. Web. 12 Mar. 2014 Persily, Nathaniel, and Kelli Lammie. Perceptions Of Corruption And Campaign Finance: When Public Opinion Determines Constitutional Law.University Of Pennsylvania Law Review153.1 (2004): 119-180.Index to Legal Periodicals Books Full Text (H.W. Wilson). Web. 12 Mar. 2014. Rubenzer, Trevor. Campaign Contributions And U.S. Foreign Policy Outcomes: An Analysis Of Cuban-American And Armenian-American Interests. Conference Papers International Studies Association (2008): 1-48. Political Science Complete. Web. 9 Feb. 2014. Stratmann, Thomas. Can Special Interests Buy Congressional Votes? Evidence From Financial Services Legislation. Conference Papers American Political Science Association (2002): 1. Political Science Complete. Web. 12 Feb. 2014. Welch II, William M. The Federal Bribery Statute And Special Interest Campaign Contributions.Journal Of Criminal Law Criminology79.4 (1989): 1347-1373.Political Science Complete. Web. 12 Mar. 2014.

Save the Girl Child

In older days the birth of a girl child was considered as auspicious. As per an Indian proverb, â€Å"A home without a daughter is like a body without soul†. The birth of a daughter in the house was compared with the advent of Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth and Goddess Saraswati, the Goddess of Kno People generally ask this question that girl child is a curse & blessing . But I think it as a stupid question. How can a girl be a curse. A girl is always blessing. Girl is a devi. Woman are the pillars of society. How can they be a curse.Girl is a mother who take can her children in every part of l That's because there are only 927 girls for every 1,000 boys under the age of 6. And most of these 927 girls are taken out of school early so that they can help in the fields or work as child labour to support the family. Isn’t it time that we put an end to this barbaric discrimination and gave gi These days gender imbalance is becoming a grave problem especially in India. Girls are either aborted from mother’s womb or killed after birth. This gives rise to crimes like rape and killing.Nearly half of India’s children are girls. However, the girl child is considered a lesser child in our society. Irrespective of class, caste and economic conditions, she is discriminated against and neglected at all the levels. This result in the denial of basic services required for her surviv Daughter is the knot that ties the family together†. â€Å"A baby girl.. one of the most beautiful miracles in life, one of the greatest joys we can ever know,& one of the reasons why there is a extra sunshine, laughter and happiness in our life today.† In many traditional cultures, fathers and moth Tears of a girl child- How can we make a difference? This story is older than the time, a girl still die, killer still commit the crime. Why there is a smile in the face of a family when a boy is born and not when a girl is born? I don’t see a reason why everyone wants a boy and The role of women is vital to all spheres and facets of life.Thus investment on a girl child is a smarter way to the overall development of a family. Education is one of the many vital fields  where girl children remains a victim of disparity and is neglected as compared to the other sex. But it is p Girl Child in India By Rajni Seth Ads by Google UNICEF India – Donate Now DonateToUnicef. org/Donation 9,00,000 children die every year Your Rs. 750 a month can save lives Embryo Adoption -Donation www. EmbryosAlive. com Embryos in Cryostorage? Adoptors Are Waiting- Donors Choose Are You a Fresher? NIIT. com/IT-Training Join Placement Oriented 4 Month IT Course Designed for Fresh Grads A world of the girl child is full of love, warmth and concern.She is the procreator and the mother of tomorrow. She is the one who shapes the destiny of civilization and imparts values and virtues to the future. Unfortunately this beautiful world is gloomy and filled with despair. The color of innocence is ironically transforming into color of suppression. This beautiful creation of God has become the gravest concern today. Her world is filled with despair and she is left alone on a barren land searching for a warm touch, mother's love and father's lullaby.Traditions and rituals are outlining the survival of the girl child in India. Even though the country has made remarkable growth in various fields, it is tragically representing the lowest sex ratio. Patriarchal norms, low status of women and son idolism are the primary reasons that cause bias against girl child in India. The shocking decline of girl-boy ratio has alarmed future of India. The Census report indicates a highly skewed gender ratio that fell from 976 girls born every 1000 boys to 927 girls every 1000 boys in 2001.In various parts of the country like Rajasthan, Haryana and Rajasthan the ratio has even declined to 800:1000. Not only female feticide and infanticide, a series of other discrepancy like lack of girl education, lack of nutrition, early marriage and absence of basic necessities are also attached to the gravest concern of humanity. Lack of education holds the girl child to a low standard of living and provides inability to expose her skills and knowledge. Educating a girl is education a whole family†¦

Chaos in Ecuadorian Soccer - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 521 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2019/04/15 Category Sports Essay Level High school Tags: Soccer Essay Did you like this example? There are many kinds of problems associated with professional soccer. El Cl?sico del Astillero,a popular soccer match in Ecuador always attracts lots of spectators. However, those spectators do not always behave nicely. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Chaos in Ecuadorian Soccer" essay for you Create order Its common to see fights between fans. These fights and arguments between fans have resulted in many injured people. Crazy fans of soccer teams are difficult to control because they try to psychologically hurt the other teams and physically hurt other fans. Three solutions to stop fans from fighting at professional soccer matches would be to eliminate alcohol from the stadium, to register people when they enter, and to install cameras. The article Soccer Fan killed in Ecuador for Refusing to Share Beer,describes a case of soccer violence in Quito Ecuador. A 26 year old fan died from a brain trauma because he didnt share his beer. Another fan hit him and he then hit his head on the stands. Many fights at sporting events are initiated by drunk fans (Estrada). According to Dialogo Digital Ecuador Installs CCTV and Increases Police Patrols Reduce Violence at Soccer Games Military Magazinesome stadiums will not sell beer ten minutes before the game and during halftime. Additionally some stadiums will prohibit anyone who smells of alcohol to enter the game (Estrada). I believe alcohol should be banned from soccer stadiums in Ecuador. Other solution to prevent violence is to register fans who cause violence to determine if certain fans are know to cause violence, those fans will be prohibited from attending future games (Estrada) I think that this will help prevent violence and professional soccer. In Ecuador installs CCTV and Increases Police Patrols to Reduce Violence at soccer Games Isabel Estrada mentions police in Quito Ecuador are making a database listing the names of violence fans. If stadiums have fans registered, they can watch them more carefully. Closed- circuit television (CCTV) cameras are discussed in Ecuador Installs cctv and Increases Police Patrols to Reduce Violence at soccer Games as one other solution to soccer games rife with violence. CCTV can make fans feel safer and less worried about getting hurt in the stadium. Cameras allow security forces to monitor fans and help respond quickly to fights (Estrada). These cameras can help with getting evidence to violence. Maybe if there were cameras when the 26 year- old fan was killed in Quito at the soccer game authorities could penalize bad fans quicker. In conclusion violence in soccer stadiums in Ecuador needs to stop. Many crazy fans start fights and even kill. Authorities are finding ways to fix this. Three solutions to stop fan violence is to not allow alcohol in stadiums, to register fans and to install cameras. Soccer is important to the Ecuadorian people, so everyone has to behave to enjoy the sport. Works Cited 1. Estrada, Isabel Ecuador Installs CCTV and Increases Police Patrols to Reduce Violence at Soccer Games.dialogo- americas.com. Di?logo Digital Military Magazine, 23 March.2014. Tuesday 4 December 2018. 2. Staff NesnSoccer Fan killed in Ecuador for Refusing to share Beer.google.com Complexion Rescue Tinted Hydrating get cream bars Minerals The power of good, Tuesday, March 6,2012 at 3:37 pm. Tuesday 4 December 2018.

Cultivation Of Sports Consiousness Of Students - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 607 Downloads: 5 Date added: 2019/06/13 Category Education Essay Level High school Tags: Physical Education Essay Did you like this example? SCHOOL PHYSICAL EDUCATION AHD LIFELONG SPORSTS CONSCIOUSNESS CULTIVATION OF STUDENTS The education methods and personnel competition awareness in our country make students generally lack the corresponding awareness of sports. In light of this situation, the school sports department and physical education are very important. In recent years, society has become increasingly demanding of students physical qualities. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Cultivation Of Sports Consiousness Of Students" essay for you Create order The comprehensive development of morality, art, and fine art has become more than just an empty talk and has become the focus of educational reforms. This is not only for the sake of students themselves. A good development will also inject new vitality into the countrys development. Status of School Physical Education At present, lifelong education has gradually become the ultimate goal of school education, and school sports are also progressing for this ultimate goal. However, it is undeniable that school sports play a very weak role in cultivating lifelong sports consciousness. Physical education is an important education that must be carried out after receiving education. However, because schools pay more attention to achievement and higher schooling rates, physical education courses in schools are virtually empty and some schools lack corresponding physical education facilities, resulting in students entering universities. Lack of interest in sports, in addition to the necessary, basically never exercise, nor received physical education, resulting in college students lack of awareness of lifelong sports, which greatly affects the overall development of the students moral, intellectual, physical, aesthetic, and labor. Improve the status quo of physical education in schools, cultivate students lifelong sports awareness Interest is a persons best teacher, but due to various reasons, teachers are too educational in physical education, which greatly lowers students enthusiasm for receiving physical education. Therefore, changing teaching methods inspires students to The interest in physical education is imperative. This requires that physical education courses with special characteristics be properly added on the basis of basic physical education curriculum. Because school sports belong to a comprehensive and strong compulsory course, it should be based on students physical qualities in carrying out practical education. The development of an appropriate training plan to adapt to students interest in education will help students to develop lifelong sports interests in their future lives. The importance of school sports in cultivating students life-long sports consciousness With the development of the times, the introduction of lifelong education has made the education community and the community more aware of the importance of the comprehensive development of students morality, intelligence, body, beauty, and labor. Through continuous research and experiments, it is clear that school sports is an important basic stage for the development of lifelong sports. This is mainly due to the fact that students learning ability is the strongest during the students period, and during this period students still maintain curiosity and high standards. Time ability, which can maximize the students physical quality and strengthen their physical fitness, thus cultivating their interest in sports, so as to cultivate their lifelong sports consciousness. . Conclusion Improve the teaching level of teachers, improve teaching content, and make teaching content more diversified. Through these improvement measures, not only can the educational level of school sports be improved, but it also has a very important role in cultivating life-long sports awareness. Reference list Aniwal Ismaili Sports options class is an important way to cultivate lifetime sports[J]. Journal of Bayingolin Vocational and Technical College, 2009(4):32-33. Guo Hongbo, Dou Li Comparative Study on Contents and Standards of Current Middle School Physical Education and Health Courses[J]. Journal of Beijing Sport University, 2007(3):377-379. Li Junjie Discussion on Cultivating Students Consciousness of Lifelong Physical Education in Secondary Vocational Physical Education[J]. Guangdong Vocational and Technical Education and Research, 2015(3):114-116.