Election Campaign & Political Law
Political law is concerned with the laws that govern our political activity. It is highly regulated on the state and federal levels. Both politicians and those who want to influence politicians, often called special interest groups, are subject to political law.Political Law and Politicians
There are many laws that regulate how a politician can run a campaign. Once elected, political law defines how a politician may conduct the business of politics.
One of the most important parts of political law that concerns political candidate is campaign finance and elections. Candidates need to be familiar with all of the state and federal campaign finance and election laws, lest they end their political careers before they are even elected.
Campaign finance deals with how a politician acquires funds for a campaign. Often funds for campaigns come from special interest groups such as lobbyists, unions, and corporations. In return for large contributions, these special interest groups expect the politicians they support to pass laws that favor their agendas.
Because these types of contributions can be construed as bribery or political corruption, it has been necessary for specific legislation to be passed that regulates who can contribute to a campaign and the amount contributed.
Election law deals with legislation that affects the election process. It covers such aspects as who is allowed to vote, what district a person is to vote in, and the method of voting. There are laws that legislate how much influence a politician or a political party can have over these aspects, in order to keep elections free from undue influence.
Political Law and Special Interest Groups
A special interest group is a group that has an interest in having laws created, repealed, or changed. These groups actively work to influence politicians to achieve their ends. The special interest group does not put a candidate up for election, but rather moves to influence candidates and elected officials to benefit their agenda.
The term "special interest group" has a negative connotation. Many people prefer to refer to them as group advocacy groups or vested interest groups. Whatever they are referred to as, the main goal of a special interest group is to have politicians make decisions that are beneficial to their causes. There is legislation that defines how these groups can exert their influence over politicians. Restrictions on the amount of money these groups can donate to a politician or a political party are in place. In addition, restrictions are placed on the type of advertising these groups can do. Various other restrictions are also in place.
Political law exists so that politicians can be elected fairly. Once they are elected, the amount of influence exerted over them by special interest groups can be minimized.
Related Links: |
|
