Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the main function of political action committees (PACs)?
What is the main function of political action committees (PACs)?
Which of the following summarizes the outcome of the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case?
Which of the following summarizes the outcome of the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case?
What distinguishes hard money from soft money in political contributions?
What distinguishes hard money from soft money in political contributions?
What was a major effect of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act?
What was a major effect of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act?
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What is a characteristic of super PACs following the Citizens United decision?
What is a characteristic of super PACs following the Citizens United decision?
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What is one of the reasons why limits on campaign contributions were considered controversial?
What is one of the reasons why limits on campaign contributions were considered controversial?
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In the context of political contributions, what does 'dark money' refer to?
In the context of political contributions, what does 'dark money' refer to?
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How does the total amount of money in politics compare to other economic sectors?
How does the total amount of money in politics compare to other economic sectors?
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Study Notes
Interest Group Regulation
- The Federal Election Campaign Act allowed the formation of political action committees (PACs) and created federal election committees.
- It placed limits on candidate spending. However, this aspect was later deemed unconstitutional.
- Hard money is directly contributed to a campaign, while soft money is donated for general purposes, not directly tied to a campaign.
- Hard money contributions were limited, but soft money limits were less stringent.
- The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act was enacted.
- It increased limits on hard money contributions.
- Banned soft money contributions.
- Restricted issue ads near elections.
- This Act was later deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, restricting free speech.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010)
- The Supreme Court ruled that corporations and labor unions have the First Amendment right to spend unlimited funds from their general treasuries to support political candidates.
Types of PACs
- Political Action Committees (PACs): Allow corporations to fund and contribute on behalf of their groups.
- Regulated by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
- Limits individual donations: $5000, donations to candidates: $5000, and donations to parties: $15000.
- 527 groups: cannot directly contribute to campaigns or candidates; not regulated by the FEC.
- Can raise unlimited funds.
- Donors must be disclosed to the IRS.
- Super PACs (outcome of Citizens United):
- Independent expenditure-only committees.
- Can raise unlimited funds from corporations, unions, associations, and individuals (including "dark money").
- Report to the FEC.
- Can spend unlimited sums to advocate for or against candidates, but cannot coordinate directly with them.
Money in Politics
- Interest groups donate to politicians who align with their interests.
- While politics may receive less funding compared to other sectors (e.g., housing) it is still a considerable factor.
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Description
Explore the intricacies of political action committees (PACs) and the effects of significant legislation such as the Federal Election Campaign Act and the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. Understand the implications of the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC on campaign finance and free speech rights.
