Better Parties, Better Government: A Realistic Program for Campaign Finance Reform

Peter J. Wallison, Joel M. Gora, "Better Parties, Better Government: A Realistic Program for Campaign Finance Reform"
AEI Press | 200 pages | PDF | 1,1 MB

Campaign finance laws essentially prohibit political parties from fundraising on behalf of individual candidates, forcing candidates to finance campaigns independently. This system favors wealthy candidates and protects incumbents while discouraging challengers. In Better Candidates, Better Parties, Better Government, Peter J. Wallison and Joel Gora argue that allowing parties a greater role in campaign fundraising would strengthen the parties, attract more qualified candidates, and free officeholders to govern without undue financial influence.

Summary: A must read for those looking to better understand modern American democracy
Rating: 5

Could restrictions on political spending actually be undermining America's democracy? "Better Parties, Better Government: A Realistic Program for Campaign Finance Reform" offers Peter Wallison and Joel Gora's opinion that major problems in American democracy stem from limits on campaign spending; the restrictions in place which all too often seem to protect incumbents, often giving them the election despite low approval ratings. "Better Parties, Better Government" is a must read for those looking to better understand modern American democracy.