Why is political reform an issue?
Many Americans, including politicians themselves, are concerned that our democracy is not working properly. The most important indicator is that Americans are so apathetic about the political process that they do not vote. Voter turnout in Presidential elections reached a modern low in 1996. It has rebounded since then but it is substantially below 1960 levels. (Click to see chart) and compares poorly to other world democracies. (Click to see map) A quarter of Americans believe that government has little effect on their lives and another 10% does not know whether government has a positive or negative effect on them. Most Americans believe that government is primarily run by special interests looking out for themselves. Despite such beliefs, few Americans list political reform as an issue that is important. Why has the cost of political campaigns increased? The cost of political campaigns has dramatically increased in the past three decades. Much of the cost of campaigns is directed tow
