Document Type
Poster Session
Department
Sociology
Faculty Mentor
Jono Anzalone
Abstract
This project explores the question: what could and should be done to strengthen democracy in the United States? More specifically, it examines the role that large amounts of money in politics play in shaping political power and representation. The central argument of this project is that reducing the influence of big money in political campaigns and policymaking is necessary for creating a more fair and representative democratic system. When wealthy donors, corporations, and special interest groups are able to spend large amounts of money to influence elections and policy decisions, it can limit the political voice of ordinary citizens.
This project draws on key political sociology concepts such as power inequality, political participation, and political representation. Power inequality refers to the uneven distribution of resources that allow certain groups to have more influence over political outcomes than others. In the context of campaign financing and lobbying, wealthy individuals and organizations are often able to shape political agendas in ways that do not always reflect the interests of the broader public. This dynamic can weaken democratic participation by making citizens feel that their voices and votes matter less than financial contributions.
The democratic significance of this issue is substantial because democracy depends on the idea of political equality. If some groups have far greater influence due to financial resources, the democratic principle of equal representation becomes undermined. Strengthening democracy therefore requires reforms that reduce the role of money in elections and increase transparency and fairness in campaign financing.
This project connects to applied course experiences through class discussions and readings on political power, inequality, and democratic participation. By applying political sociology concepts to the issue of campaign finance, this project aims to show how limiting the influence of big money could help create a more inclusive and responsive democratic system.
Included in
American Politics Commons, Economic Policy Commons, Political Economy Commons, Politics and Social Change Commons, Public Economics Commons
Money and Power: How Big Money Shapes Democracy in the United States
This project explores the question: what could and should be done to strengthen democracy in the United States? More specifically, it examines the role that large amounts of money in politics play in shaping political power and representation. The central argument of this project is that reducing the influence of big money in political campaigns and policymaking is necessary for creating a more fair and representative democratic system. When wealthy donors, corporations, and special interest groups are able to spend large amounts of money to influence elections and policy decisions, it can limit the political voice of ordinary citizens.
This project draws on key political sociology concepts such as power inequality, political participation, and political representation. Power inequality refers to the uneven distribution of resources that allow certain groups to have more influence over political outcomes than others. In the context of campaign financing and lobbying, wealthy individuals and organizations are often able to shape political agendas in ways that do not always reflect the interests of the broader public. This dynamic can weaken democratic participation by making citizens feel that their voices and votes matter less than financial contributions.
The democratic significance of this issue is substantial because democracy depends on the idea of political equality. If some groups have far greater influence due to financial resources, the democratic principle of equal representation becomes undermined. Strengthening democracy therefore requires reforms that reduce the role of money in elections and increase transparency and fairness in campaign financing.
This project connects to applied course experiences through class discussions and readings on political power, inequality, and democratic participation. By applying political sociology concepts to the issue of campaign finance, this project aims to show how limiting the influence of big money could help create a more inclusive and responsive democratic system.
