WA Politics Club Hosts Address By U.S. Rep. James P. 'Jim' McGovern '77
Members of WA's Politics Club, along with other students, and faculty, heard from U.S. Rep. James P. "Jim" McGovern '77 (Massachusetts, 2nd Congressional District) tonight on the topic of Money and Politics.
Congressman McGovern focused on SCOTUS's 2010 Citizens United decision regarding campaign donations and encouraged a lively debate among students of various political persuasions regarding its effect.
Aaron Snyder '16 and Nathan Geurkink '15, co-presidents of the Politics Club, which sponsored the debate, organized the event. Also on hand were club advisor and history faculty member Dan Dagenais and Head of School Ron Cino.
Some of the questions discussed by the gathering were: “How does this history of money in politics relate to the present time?” “How does a decision by the Supreme Court affect ordinary Americans?” “Who does the Constitution define as a person?” “Do corporations qualify since they are made up of people?”
SUPREME COURT DECISION
In 2010, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled in the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that corporations and other big businesses have the power to give unlimited campaign contributions and have the freedom of speech not to disclose where their funding comes from.
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Worcester Academy is a co-ed day and boarding independent school for grades 6 to 12 and postgraduates. Our urban setting, diverse community, and innovative curriculum provide each student with unique opportunities for self-discovery, academic achievement, and personal empowerment. For more information, visit www.worcesteracademy.org
