C. Explain how the decision in McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission impacts an interest group's ability to influence the politicalprocess.

The Supreme Court's decision in **McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission** (2014) significantly impacts an interest group's ability to influence the political process by striking down aggregate limits on individual contributions to political candidates and committees. Prior to this ruling, individuals were restricted in the total amount they could contribute to all candidates and political committees in a given election cycle, which was intended to prevent corruption and the appearance of corruption in political financing. ### Key Impacts of the Decision: 1. **Increased Contribution Potential**: The ruling allows wealthy individuals to contribute to as many candidates and political committees as they choose, as long as they do not exceed the individual contribution limits for each candidate. This means that affluent donors can now amplify their influence by supporting multiple candidates and causes, thereby increasing the financial resources available to those candidates. 2. **Empowerment of Interest Groups**: Interest groups often rely on wealthy donors to fund their activities and support candidates who align with their interests. With the removal of aggregate limits, these groups can more effectively mobilize resources from high-net-worth individuals, allowing them to exert greater influence over the political process and policy outcomes. 3. **Potential for Greater Political Polarization**: The decision may lead to a concentration of political power among a small number of wealthy individuals and interest groups, which can exacerbate political polarization. As these groups can now support a wider array of candidates, they may push for more extreme positions, knowing they have the financial backing to do so. 4. **Impact on Campaign Strategies**: Candidates may increasingly cater to the interests of wealthy donors and interest groups, potentially prioritizing their concerns over those of average voters. This could lead to a political landscape where the voices of everyday citizens are drowned out by the financial clout of a few. 5. **Challenges to Campaign Finance Regulation**: The McCutcheon decision sets a precedent that challenges the constitutionality of various campaign finance regulations aimed at limiting the influence of money in politics. This could lead to further legal challenges against existing laws designed to regulate campaign contributions and expenditures. In summary, the McCutcheon v. FEC decision enhances the ability of interest groups to influence the political process by allowing for greater financial contributions from individuals, thereby increasing the potential for political engagement and advocacy, but also raising concerns about the integrity of democratic processes and the representation of diverse interests.