The Fundamentals of Campaign Finance in the U.S.

To commemorate Election Day, this week's review examines the U.S. campaign finance system, revealing a pattern of "prioritiz[ing] the protection of money as speech over regulating corruption."

Posted on November 3, 2025 in Reviews of the Month

The Fundamentals of Campaign Finance in the U.S.: Why We Have the System We Have

Dwyre, Diana. by Diana Dwyre and Robin Kolodny Michigan, 2024
392p bibl index, 9780472056880 $95.00, 9780472056880 $44.95, 9780472904532

The United States is a capitalist democracy where money plays a major role in its campaigns and elections. In the 2024 presidential election, billions of dollars were raised and spent by candidates and groups. Yet, few individuals understand where that money comes from, how it is spent, and its impact. Dwyre (California State Univ.) and Kolodny (Temple Univ.) have produced arguably the best and clearest book so far explaining money and politics in the US. They provide a cogent discussion of the basic goals of American democracy and a succinct history of the role of money and politics as well as the legal efforts to regulate or control it. Various chapters discuss who gives and how, focusing on the various entities and individuals who give, and the means by which their money makes it into the political process. Readers learn that the Supreme Court has largely undone the post-Watergate reforms to limit the role of money in politics and avoid corruption. This is especially true under Chief Justice John Roberts; the court has prioritized the protection of money as speech over regulating corruption. Excellent for collections on American politics.

Summing Up: Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates through faculty; professionals.
Reviewer: D. Schultz, Hamline University
Subject: Social & Behavioral Sciences – Political Science – U.S. Politics
Choice Issue: Jan 2025

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The Fundamentals of Campaign Finance in the U.S.

To commemorate Election Day, this week's review examines the U.S. campaign finance system, revealing a pattern of "prioritiz[ing] the protection of money as speech over regulating corruption."