Description
Book SynopsisThe US Supreme Court, in Buckley v Valeo (1976), defined corruption as quid pro quo - "get for giving" - meaning Congress could only regulate the kind of corruption that had occurred if a campaign contributor received political favors from the candidate. This book provides a story about the successes and limitations of political reform.
Trade ReviewA good overall evaluation on the history of money and politics in American elections.
* Choice *
A terrific book about the history of campaign finance reform and how notions of political corruption and democratic theory have evolved and shifted over the past 130 years.
-- Adam Winkler, UCLA School of Law
An eye-opening examination of the history, flaws, and bright points of America's modern political system.
* The Midwest Book Review *
Table of ContentsTable of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction: Ignoring History and the Conundrum of Reform
Chapter 1: The Beginnings of the Campaign Finance System
Chapter 2: Funding the National Interest
Chapter 3: The Progressive Promise Derailed
Chapter 4: Managing the Marketplace of Ideas
Chapter 5: Campaign Finance "Reform" in the New Deal
Chapter 6: Professionalizing Politics and the "De-political" Court
Chapter 7: Coining Corruption
Conclusion: From Buckley to BCRA and Beyond
Notes
Works Cited
Index
