Public financing
Public financing is when money from the U.S. Treasury is available for campaigns. Currently, only candidates for president have the option of getting government funds for campaigns. Generally, a candidate who accepts public funds must agree to limit his or her fundraising more than is required by federal law for all candidates. The idea behind public financing is to free up politicians from the pressures of raising money so that they can better, and more honestly, do their jobs. It is also thought that public financing might help those without connections to money successfully run for office.
Information on public finacing
Since public financing is a way to reform campaign finance, the links below offer information on both.
- Federal Election Commission's online guide to the current system of public funding for presidential campaigns and a more comprehensive older guide
- Slate.com article on the $3 check box that funds presidential campaigns
- Campaign finance lesson
- Timeline of campaign finance reform legislation
- Selected campaign finance cases
Groups that support public financing
- Public Campaign supports public financing and supplies good information on the topic
- Just $6 argues that $6 per American would be sufficient for public financing
Criticisms of public financing
- Critics of public financing think many public financing schemes run afoul of the First Amendment. Institute for Justice makes such an argument about public financing in Arizona.
- Cato policy analysis critical of public funding of presidential elections
