— Which interestingly is being tested to destruction at this point in time. By national and international actors.

It’s never been perfect, but occasionally seems to have done the job.

There did arguably seem to be some functioning checks and balances in place in the past.

http://theconversation.com/british-election-spending-laws-explained-and-why-they-need-updating-93980

However it’s a natural consequence that there’s a strong incentive for those interested in tapping into the state’s sap to find a way around democratic bulwarks.