Channel Button

There are 37 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #1 by Helium's members.

Debate_icon

Politics, News & Issues   >

US Elections (Other)

Should the US government help fund election campaigns?

Results so far:

Yes
31% 101 votes Total: 322 votes
No
69% 221 votes

No. The Government should not, under any circumstances fund election campaigns, for many reasons.

First, this is taxpayer's money. When people pay their taxes to the American government, supposedly this money is to be used to benefit the public good - for defense of our country; for roads, bridges, emergency aid to states in crisis, etc. If, however, some of that money is going to contribute to one, or to more than one's candidate's campaign or political party, then the public is cheated - because constitutionally, American government was created by our laws, to serve the interests of the American people, not the government's own political interests and agenda.

For government to donate funds to a political candidate's campaign, raises many troubling questions. Would there be a limit as to how much money a candidate can receive from the government, whether federal, state or local? Over a million dollars? Two million? Three? A billion? We all know that campaigns are driven by money. Money for TV and radio ads; for travel expenses; hotels; paying campaign staffers, etc. So what about the other candidate/s whose views differ from the presiding government? Or would the government have to give money to all of the candidates to level the playing-field? This is unlikely as much as it would be unfair to the American public for the squandering of their tax money to pay for politician's campaigns. And if only one or a few candidates were to receive funds from the government, how fair would that be for the lone-wolf candidate, who receives no funds at all to help her/his campaign? And where is the public's say-so in all of this, as to whether or not the taxpayer agrees with the government donating their taxes to a candidate that does not have their support? Isn't this wrongful use of taxpayer's money? Isn't this taxation without representation? Might these actions even be unconstitutional? ? Is there a quid-pro-quo in the mix? Is this corruption?

Also, a candidate receiving government funds, especially if well-over of what the average American can afford to donate, may stand a considerably better chance of winning office and this misrepresents the candidate's true source of support. A well-funded campaign with significant government donations, creates the impression that the candidate has raised that money from potential voters, not from one or more government sources, especially if the candidate has not openly disclosed in the media, the total amounts of (all)


Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:

Should the US government help fund election campaigns?

No
Yes
  • 1 of 17

    by Timothy Ellis

    Pop quiz: what system of government is defined by the rule of an elite caste of landowners and wealthy aristocrats ov...read more

  • 2 of 17

    by iiivix

    Some politicians need money to advertise themselves. A partial funding from the government to fund election campaigns...read more

Add your voice

Know something about Should the US government help fund election campaigns??
We want to hear your view. Write_penWrite now!

What do you think?
We want to know.
  • Write now.
  • Voice your opinion.
  • Reach millions.
Join Helium Today

Already a member? Log in.

150468

Featured Partner

Hope 4 Kids International

Hope 4 Kids International's mission is to bring hope and necessary care to kids around the world through health, dign...more

What is Helium? | User Guide | Community | Helium’s Official Blog | Link to Helium | Privacy | User agreement | DMCA

Helium, Inc.
200 Brickstone Square Andover, MA 01810 USA