Why is There so Little Money in U.S. Politics?

Abstract

The authors begin by offering an overview of the sources and amounts of campaign contributions in the U.S. In the light of these facts, they explore the assumption that the amount of money in U.S. campaigns mainly reflects political investment. They then offer their perspective that campaign contributions should be viewed primarily as a type of consumption good, rather than as a market for buying political benefits. Although this perspective helps to explain the levels of campaign contributions by individuals and organizations, it opens up new research questions of its own.