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Table of Contents

Cover Story

Cover Story - Spanish Version

Mini-Lesson

Comprehension Quiz

Teacher's Guide and Worksheets

Trouble On The Money Trail

Did China try to get cozy with U.S. politicians by giving them money for their 1996 campaigns?

Before the election, people with ties to China and other Asian countries gave the Democratic National Committee (D.N.C.) large sums of money. The D.N.C., which helped get Bill Clinton elected, has returned $3 million that may have been donated improperly. Investigators believe China may have secretly tried to get money into U.S. campaigns.

Last week the Senate approved plans to investigate fund raising. It will study both legal and illegal practices, including the use of "soft money"--the huge contributions made to political parties rather than to candidates. Many Americans think this should stop.

Clinton admits that we "have to free our democracy from the grip of big money." One proposal he backs: free television time for candidates. That way, they wouldn't need so much money to run for office.

Next: A Patch Of Friendship