Middle School (6-8)Campaign Finance55 minutes
Introduction to Campaign Finance
Essential Question
Where do campaigns get their money, and why does it matter?
Overview
Students explore FEC data to understand campaign funding sources and the importance of transparency.
C3 Standards Alignment
D2.Civ.13.6-8D2.Eco.1.6-8
Learning Objectives
- Explain why campaigns need money(D2.Eco.1.6-8)
- Identify main sources of campaign funding
- Navigate FEC data on CIV.IQ(D2.Civ.13.6-8)
- Distinguish between individual contributions, PACs, and self-funding
Materials
- --Computer/tablet access
- --Worksheet M4: Campaign Finance Basics
- --Vocabulary list
Vocabulary
Procedure
1Opening
10 minutes- Question: What does it cost to run for Congress?
- Average costs (2024 cycle): House race ~$2-3M, Senate ~$15-20M, competitive seats much higher
- Discussion: Where does that money come from?
- Vocabulary introduction: individual contributions, PAC, campaign committee
2Exploration
20 minutes- Navigate to a representative's Finance tab on CIV.IQ
- Walk through data together: total raised, total spent, cash on hand
- Examine contribution breakdown: individual vs PAC
- Find top contributing industries
- Students record data on Worksheet M4
3Analysis
15 minutes- Students find a second representative from a different party
- Record the same finance data for comparison
- Look for patterns: Do they raise from the same industries?
- Key reminder: We can find patterns but cannot prove WHY from data alone
4Wrap-up
10 minutes- Share observations: "What patterns did you notice?"
- Discussion: Why is it important that this data is PUBLIC?
- Key takeaway: Transparency allows citizens to follow the money — but correlation is not causation
Activities
Explore FEC Data
exploration20 minutes
Navigate to a representative's Finance tab. Find: total raised, total spent, cash on hand, contribution breakdown.
Open on CIV.IQ: Campaign Finance →Compare Two Representatives
exploration15 minutes
Compare FEC data for representatives from different parties. What patterns do you notice?
Open on CIV.IQ: Campaign Finance →Complete Finance Worksheet
worksheet10 minutes
Record findings on Worksheet M4. Note top contributing industries.
Discussion Questions
Does money influence votes?
Why is it important that this information is PUBLIC?
What can we learn from campaign finance data? What can we NOT prove?
Assessment
Students can explain different funding sources and navigate FEC data accurately.
Extensions
- --Research contribution limits
- --Find the top-funded member of Congress
Teacher Notes
- Key distinction: We can find patterns, but cannot prove WHY from data alone
- Emphasize transparency over judgment
Common Questions
- Does money influence votes?
- This discussion question is explored in the Introduction to Campaign Finance lesson plan.
- Why is it important that this information is PUBLIC?
- This discussion question is explored in the Introduction to Campaign Finance lesson plan.
- What can we learn from campaign finance data? What can we NOT prove?
- This discussion question is explored in the Introduction to Campaign Finance lesson plan.