W. W. Norton & Company | We the People, 6th Edition

Chapter 10: Campaigns and Elections

Do you think democracy is endangered by the need to raise huge amounts of money to run for public office? Is the need for big money leading to less democracy or government by special interests? Would you support public financing of campaigns?

Should race be taken into account when congressional districts are redrawn after each census? For example, if 20 percent of a state is African American, should 20 percent of the districts have an African American majority?

Do you think it is okay for someone with a lot of money but no political experience to run for president of the United States? Which is more important for a candidate to have: ambition or experience? Candidates today like to define themselves as outsiders; do we want nonprofessional politicians in Washington?

When you vote, which is more important to you: a candidate’s personality and character or his or her stand on the issues? Would you rather vote for a candidate with character problems but with a strong vision with which you agree, or a candidate with excellent personal character but with whom you disagree? Do you vote for a candidate you really like, or for the candidate you dislike the least?

Our current campaign advertising system markets candidates just as we market automobiles and beverages. Should we require that no “fancy stuff” be allowed in their TV ads, that candidates should stand in front of the camera and explain their stands on the issues? Should candidates be forbidden to use negative advertising? Should television networks be mandated to provide free political advertising? What problems might occur in constructing and implementing such a rule?

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