Sumário:Courts and the law of campaign finance : Campaign finance regulations in the United States. Campaign finance regulations in Canada -- Judicial discourse and conceptions of power : The empowered citizen model in McConnel v. FEC. The informed voter model in Harper v. Canada (A.G.). The power of speech : a structural approach -- Democracy and power trade-offs : Power dynamics within the government. Power dynamics within society. Power trade-offs and the role of courts.