On the Supreme Court’s increasingly narrow definition of corruption, including the crimes of bribery and extortion
Money Politics articles on Democracy Chronicles
This Money Politics section includes news about the efforts to reduce the influence of money over the election system that has grown substantially since the Citizens United ruling. Also see our entire section on Money Politics or our articles on Political Lobbying.
A grim update on the gun lobby’s strength in Congress
2016 election was high point in electoral spending by the NRA and its affiliate, the NRA Institute for Legislative Action
Failing to enforce rules governing unethical Congressional behavior
Ethics advocacy group says Congressional watchdogs meant to standards have not enforced the rules
Senators refusing to file campaign contributions electronically
U.S. senators continue to waste taxpayer dollars by refusing to switch to electronically filing campaign contributions
Both Parties Not Disclosing Political Facebook Ad Spending
ProPublica: Political ads are running on Facebook without adequate disclaimer language, likely violating FEC rules
Study confirms rich in firm control of American democracy
Path-breaking recent research has established a causal relationship between preferences of elite earners and public policy outcomes
West Virginia Capitol Ejects Woman for Lobbying Speech
Lissa Lucas read out political donations handed out by oil and gas companies to members of West Virginia’s lower house
New Widget Tech Helps Follow the Money in Illinois Election
The five leading candidates have raised more than $136 million, already exceeding any other contest before in Illinois
Other than money, what gets Members of Congress to respond?
Despite the ubiquitous role of money in campaigns, some citizens clearly still believe in the power of protest
VIDEO: Trump’s challenge to antiquated federal ethics regulation
How Trump’s continued control of his businesses has challenged existing legal structure for government ethics