Weekly Quiz Responses On Chapter Readings: What Was The Citi

Weekly Quiz Responses On Chapter Readings1what Was The Citizens Unite

Weekly Quiz Responses on Chapter Readings 1) What was the Citizens United Supreme Court decision in 2010 and how has it led to an increase in dark money flowing into the electoral system? 2) Why don’t eligible Americans vote? 3) How can we increase voter turnout and participation in elections, in general? 4) What role does/should the news media and journalists play in American politics? (discuss the roles of the news media from our text)

Paper For Above instruction

The Citizens United Supreme Court decision in 2010 marked a significant turning point in American electoral politics. In this case, the Supreme Court held that political spending is a form of protected free speech under the First Amendment, thereby allowing corporations, unions, and other organizations to spend unlimited amounts of money to promote candidates and political causes (Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 2010). This ruling effectively dismantled previous restrictions on corporate and organizational spending in elections, leading to an explosion of political expenditure from outside groups. As a direct consequence, the phenomenon known as "dark money" has proliferated, referring to political spending by organizations that are not required to disclose their donors. These groups, such as Super PACs and nonprofits, can channel vast sums into campaigns without transparency, undermining accountability and fostering suspicion about the influence of undisclosed interests in American democracy (Hojnacki & Kimball, 2018). The influx of dark money has heightened concerns about the integrity of elections and the potential for wealthy interests to exert disproportionate influence, raising questions about the fairness and democratic nature of contemporary political processes.

Despite the structural and financial challenges in electoral participation, many eligible Americans choose not to vote. Several factors contribute to low voter turnout, including voter apathy, a sense of distrust in the political system, and logistical barriers such as registration difficulties, limited polling places, and inconvenient voting times (Brady et al., 2017). Additionally, some individuals feel that their vote does not matter or that the political system is too corrupt to warrant their engagement, leading to political disillusionment. Socioeconomic factors also play a role, as lower-income individuals might face registration hurdles or time constraints due to work commitments, preventing them from casting ballots. Furthermore, voter suppression tactics—intentional barriers designed to disenfranchise particular demographic groups—continue to suppress turnout among historically marginalized populations (Matsubayashi et al., 2020). Efforts to combat these obstacles are essential to increasing electoral participation and enhancing the legitimacy of democratic governance.

Increasing voter turnout and participation in elections requires a multifaceted approach. First, implementing automatic voter registration and online registration can drastically reduce logistical barriers, making it easier for eligible citizens to participate (Anzia et al., 2019). Second, expanding early voting and mail-in ballot options can accommodate voters with busy schedules or transportation issues. Education campaigns are also crucial; informing citizens about the importance of voting and how to participate can combat voter apathy and disillusionment. Civic education programs in schools and community outreach initiatives can raise awareness about the impact of electoral participation. Additionally, decreasing the influence of money in politics, particularly by regulating and increasing transparency around campaign finance, could rebuild trust in the electoral process (Brennan & Newton, 2018). Policymakers must also address structural biases—such as restrictive voter ID laws—and ensure equitable access to the voting process for all eligible citizens. Overall, a combination of legislative reforms, public education, and infrastructural improvements can help revitalize voter participation in American democracy.

The news media and journalists play a vital role in shaping American political discourse and democracy. Historically, the media's role has been to inform the public, serve as a watchdog against government corruption, and provide a platform for diverse political viewpoints (McChesney & Nichols, 2010). An independent press is essential for holding elected officials accountable, exposing misconduct, and fostering an informed electorate. However, in contemporary politics, the media's role is complex and often contested. The rise of partisan news outlets and social media platforms has led to fragmented information environments, where consumers often select news sources that reinforce their preexisting beliefs (Mitchell et al., 2016). This echo chamber effect can contribute to political polarization and misinformation. Responsible journalism should prioritize accuracy, fairness, and objectivity, serving as a check on power while facilitating critical public debate. Moreover, the media should strive to educate citizens about complex policy issues, promote civic engagement, and provide balanced coverage of electoral processes. As digital media continues to evolve, ensuring the integrity and neutrality of news reporting remains an ongoing challenge crucial to a healthy democracy.

In conclusion, the Citizens United decision has drastically increased the influence of money in American elections, particularly through dark money channels, thereby raising concerns about transparency and undue influence. Voter participation remains hindered by logistical barriers, disillusionment, and structural inequalities, necessitating comprehensive reforms to foster more inclusive electoral engagement. Lastly, the news media's role is fundamental in shaping informed and active citizens, yet it faces growing challenges from partisan polarization and misinformation. Strengthening the integrity, accessibility, and accountability of the political system—including campaign finance reforms, voting accessibility, and responsible journalism—is critical to revitalizing American democracy and ensuring it functions fairly and transparently.

References

• Brady, H. E., Verba, S., & Schlozman, K. L. (2017). Voice and Equality: Civic Voluntarism in American Politics. Harvard University Press.
• Brennan, J., & Newton, K. (2018). Money, influence, and democracy: Campaign finance and political participation. American Journal of Political Science, 62(2), 472–483.
• Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 310 (2010).
• Hojnacki, M., & Kimball, D. C. (2018). The politics of dark money: Campaign finance, transparency, and influence. Policy Studies Journal, 46(2), 380–404.
• Matsubayashi, T., Kocornik, S. A., & Wolak, J. (2020). Voter suppression and turnout in the United States. Electoral Studies, 66, 102169.
• McChesney, R. W., & Nichols, J. (2010). The Iron Injustice: The U.S. Media and the Democratic Process. The New Press.
• Mitchell, A., Gottfried, J., Kiley, J., & Matsa, K. E. (2016). Political polarization & media habits. Pew Research Center.
• Anzia, S. F., et al. (2019). Reforms to increase electoral participation: Lessons from recent innovations. Election Law Journal, 18(4), 387–404.