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CIV.IQ
High School (9-12)Campaign Finance65 minutes

Campaign Finance Deep Dive

Essential Question

Can we identify patterns between campaign contributions and voting behavior?

Overview

Students conduct systematic analysis of FEC data, cross-referencing contributions with votes.

C3 Standards Alignment

D2.Civ.13.9-12D2.Eco.2.9-12D3.1.9-12

Learning Objectives

  • Navigate detailed FEC data on CIV.IQ(D2.Eco.2.9-12)
  • Categorize contributions by industry and type
  • Cross-reference contribution data with voting records(D2.Civ.13.9-12)
  • Write evidence-based analysis acknowledging limitations(D3.1.9-12)

Materials

  • --Computer/laptop access
  • --Worksheet H2: Campaign Finance Analysis
  • --Industry category guide

Vocabulary

PACSuper PACIndividual contributionBundlingLeadership PACIndustry contributionContribution limitDisclosure

Procedure

1Framing

12 minutes
  1. Claim to investigate: "Committee members receive more money from industries they regulate"
  2. Question: How would we test this? What data do we need?
  3. Review FEC data structure: Total receipts → Individual → PAC → Industry breakdown
  4. Key vocabulary: PAC, Super PAC, bundling, leadership PAC, contribution limits

2Data Collection

25 minutes
  1. Select one committee to analyze (Finance, Energy, or Agriculture)
  2. For 5 committee members, navigate to their CIV.IQ Finance tab
  3. Record on Worksheet H2: name, party, top 3 contributing industries
  4. For each member, find one vote relevant to their top industry
  5. Record how they voted on that issue

3Analysis

15 minutes
  1. Look for patterns across the 5 members
  2. Consider alternative explanations: Do members join committees BECAUSE of their district, not donations?
  3. Identify data limitations: Sample size, timing, other variables
  4. Write evidence-based analysis paragraph on worksheet

4Discussion

13 minutes
  1. Share findings: What patterns emerged?
  2. Debate: "Does money buy votes, or does money follow votes?"
  3. Key takeaway: Data reveals patterns; responsible analysis acknowledges alternative explanations

Activities

FEC Data Structure

guided-practice15 minutes

Understand data hierarchy: Total receipts → Individual contributions → PAC contributions → Industry breakdown.

Open on CIV.IQ: Campaign Finance →

Committee Analysis

exploration25 minutes

Select one committee (Finance, Energy, Agriculture). For 5 members: Record top 3 contributing industries, find one relevant vote, record how they voted.

Open on CIV.IQ: Campaign Finance →

Evidence-Based Writing

worksheet15 minutes

Write paragraph analyzing findings. Must include: specific data, limitations, alternative explanations.

Discussion Questions

  1. Does money buy votes, or does money follow votes?

    Follow-up: How would you design research to distinguish?

  2. Why is transparency in campaign finance important?

  3. What did you find that surprised you?

Assessment

Students produce analysis paragraph with specific data and appropriate caveats.

Extensions

  • --Compare campaign finance of freshman vs. senior members
  • --Research campaign finance reform proposals

Common Questions

Does money buy votes, or does money follow votes?
How would you design research to distinguish?
Why is transparency in campaign finance important?
This discussion question is explored in the Campaign Finance Deep Dive lesson plan.
What did you find that surprised you?
This discussion question is explored in the Campaign Finance Deep Dive lesson plan.