The Growing Influence of PACs and Lobbying Organizations in the Government

The paper explores the history of campaign finance, key Supreme Court decisions such as Citizens United v. FEC and McCutcheon v. FEC, and the expansion of political spending in modern elections. It analyzes the benefits and drawbacks of lobbying and campaign donations, including concerns about political inequality, transparency, and public trust in government.

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Sanskar Budhathoki

June 19, 2026

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Inquiry-driven, this project may reflect personal views, aiming to enrich problem-related discourse.

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Sanskar Budhathoki

2026 Spring Fellow

Sanskar Budhathoki is a first-generation student who immigrated from Nepal to the United States in 2014. He currently attends Patriot High School in Nokesville, Virginia, where he is pursuing an Advanced Diploma. As the first person in his family to attend college, Sanskar plans to study political science before pursuing a law degree.Passionate about public service, civic engagement, and leadership, Sanskar is actively involved in Youth in Politics (YIP), where he participates in policy research and discussions on current political and social issues. He has also served as a Political Activist Intern with Radical Digital, supporting advocacy campaigns and community outreach initiatives. In addition, he competes on his school's Mock Trial Team, previously participated in Debate, and serves as Captain of the Tennis Team.Outside of school, Sanskar has dedicated hundreds of hours to serving elderly residents through volunteer and professional roles at Lake Manassas. Through his experiences in advocacy, leadership, and community service, he hopes to pursue a career in law and public policy while making a meaningful impact in his community.

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Sanskar Budhathoki

Other Fellowship Capstones

The Failures of the 2020 Census & Suggestions for Census Bureau Reform

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Child Sexual Abuse in Pakistan: Understanding and Prevention