You been asked to answer a simple question: what are contributors after when they give money to candidates for office? Is there evidence they get it? Is this corruption or is it a necessary consequence of a political system where people are able to freely participate to the degree they choose?
I don't give you specific information after that, but you should consider becoming familiar with a specific race - the presidency is fine since there's lots of information about that - but also see what you can do with congressional and legislative races, as well as the judiciary. You may find it easiest to focus on a specific contributor to a race and speculate on what interests are motivating them. What might they expect to receive if their chosen candidate wins?
Here some sites worth looking at for information, you'll also find links to these on the right hand column.
- The Texas Ethics Commission. look for links on the left hand column.
- Texas Tribune: Search Texas Campaign Donations
- Texas Politics: Voting Campaigns and Elections.
- Open Secrets: Texas.
- Open Secrets: 2012 Presidential Candidate Fundraising Summary.
Search through this information to help hone in on a specific topic. Send me an idea about what you want to look at - complete with any questions you have.
