Paper 3 USA · Elections and campaign finance
US elections and campaign finance - paragraph completion
2 paragraphs argue one side. You write the rebuttal and the interim judgement.
How this works. Each pre-written opening argues one side. Your job is the rebuttal: answer it with the named evidence, then end on an interim judgement. Your writing saves on this device.
Paragraph 1 · theme: The power of money
Evaluate the view that money is the decisive factor in US elections.
The opening (given) - rebut this
Money is routinely called the decisive factor in US elections: Citizens United unleashed Super PACs and dark money, spending has tripled to nearly $16bn, and a tiny donor class funds most of it. Read alone, this makes money look all-powerful.
Your task - write the rebuttal
Answer back using: Bloomberg 2020: over $1bn for a single delegate; 2024: the better-funded side lost the swing states; the Electoral College and partisanship setting the terms. Finish with an interim judgement that backs your line of argument.
Paragraph 2 · theme: Money as master variable
Evaluate the view that money is the decisive factor in US elections.
The opening (given) - rebut this
It is often argued the system is simply for sale - that without huge funding no candidate can compete, so donors decide the result.
Your task - write the rebuttal
Answer back using: money is necessary but not sufficient to win; gerrymandering means the primary, not spending, decides safe seats; the Electoral College channels rather than decides outcomes. Finish with an interim judgement that backs your line of argument.