Campaign Finance Reforms as Policies: A Policy Cycle Analysis

Abstract

The literature regarding electoral reforms, in general, and campaign finance reforms, in particular, has benefited little from the contributions of the public policy field, whether in theoretical or methodological terms. This article proposes a model to analyze campaign finance reforms based on the concept of the policy cycle, considering how the formation of the agenda for reforms takes place, namely (1) decision-making (2) implementation (3) and evaluation. I use this model to examine the case of electoral self-financing regulation in Brazil in an empirical manner, employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. The results indicate that the restriction on self-financing in Brazil is associated with a greater reliance on this type of resource in campaigns after the prohibition of corporate donations. In addition, the reform seems to fall short of its initial objectives. Thus, this article seeks to contribute to the literature in two ways: by proposing a model to analyze campaign finance reforms and applying it to the Brazilian case.

Electoral Reforms; Self-Financing; Mixed Methods; Public Policy