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Propose Amendments to the Constitution All the ideas and discussions
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Limitations on Donations to Political Campaigns

Article 1: Only living, human beings are allowed to make donations (i.e. be a "donor") to a political campaign of any person running for office or potentially running for office.
Article 2: Congress may not limit the amount any donor may donate.
Article 3: A donor may make a donation only to the campaigns of persons running for office in the political jurisdiction that the donor is a citizen of, and is therefore, eligible to vote in.

luvmusic, 01.10.2011, 00:21
Idea status: under consideration

Comments

Ara Rubyan, 17.10.2011, 10:21
Any requirements for full disclosure of the identity of the donor? Or can this remain anonymous?

Any requirements for a cap on donations? Bear in mind that in 94% of all political races, the candidate with the most money wins the election. Do we want to bake that result into the Constitution?
luvmusic, 17.10.2011, 12:17
Regarding anonymity/disclosure... I think we can leave it up to Congress to determine the rules around that.

Regarding a cap, no. I somewhat agree with the Supreme Court that political financing is a form of free speech, or at least a way for someone to express their opinions freely. Hence, I put article 2 to not limit the amount. Rather, I think the bigger corruption is covered by articles 1 and 3.
EMcB, 19.10.2011, 00:14
Agreed. Articles 1 & 3 are sufficient to curb corruption.
cl, 30.10.2011, 05:08
I believe this particular amendment would go the furtherest in returning this nation to one of the people, by the people, and for the people; as opposed to our current system which is of the corporations, by the corporations, and for the corporations
michael ryan, 06.03.2012, 03:21
I really like the donations from within your jurisdiction.!!!

However - the presidential election would still be bought by rich individuals. Need to put a cap or fund it from the government...


1. Extend Article 1 section 9 to include any domestic source… Make it ILLEGAL for congress to accept any money or favors. This is not illegal today.
a. No title of nobility shall be granted by the United States: and no person or candidate holding any office of profit or trust under them, shall, without the consent of the congress, accept of any present, emolument, campaign funds, or in kind equivalent, office, or title, of any kind whatever, from any person, corporation or other entity.
2. Strict rules on electing officials in the constitution…
a. All federal elections will be funded by the federal government. Four candidates will be identified using a petition process gathering signatures from their respective district. Funding the petition process is up to the parties supporting the candidate. The top four candidates will receive funding from the Federal Election Commission six months prior to the election. No other funds can be used for electioneering during the 6 month window leading up to the election.
3. Strict rules on money is not speech…
a. Spending money on an election, or promoting a political decision or influencing legislation is not the same as free speech protected under the first amendment and may be regulated by federal law. No expenditure of funds other than the candidates federally provide funds for six months prior to an election will be allowed.

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