Campaign Financing : Politics and the Power of Money (Issue and Debate Ser.)

Looks at the history of campaign financing, describes previous attempts at reform, and compares the American system with those of other democracies

Grade 7-12-Well written, accurate, and objective, this book is a good introduction to one of the thorniest problems of American politics. Coil uses many real-life examples to illuminate the personal and ethical conflicts that arise in campaigns and gives plenty of historical background to show how political conditions have changed. In dealing with controversial issues, such as the influence of Political Action Committees, she allows advocates for both sides to have their say, primarily through summaries of their chief arguments, with pithy quotes added for color. This topic is covered in many books on the American governmental process, but nowhere in such depth. America's Elections (Greenhaven, 1988) presents a chapter on campaign finance but gives little historical background. In that book, many of the same basic points are made, but the emphasis seems to be more on recognizing types of arguments than on the actual merits of various positions. Illustrated with black-and-white photos and cartoons, Coil's book also includes source notes and a list of public-interest organizations to contact for more information.
Jonathan Betz-Zall, Sno-Isle Regional Library System, Edmonds, WA
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Gr. 7-12. A newly elected U.S. senator who plans to seek reelection must raise more than $12,500 every week for the entire six years until the next election! Coil's book is filled with such shocking, yet supported facts. She clearly points out not only the crisis our country is facing because of present campaign practices, but also the difficulty that a non-incumbent faces in getting elected. Without personal wealth or the backing of private interest groups, victory is almost impossible. One chapter deals with the history of campaign finance reform, another with the formation and purpose of political action committees. The campaign financing practices of three other world democracies are also examined. Coil concludes with several practical suggestions for reform and a challenge to lawmakers to act on these ideas to return to and preserve a healthy democracy. The book is footnoted and contains a bibliography for further reading. Susan DeRonne