Campaign Finance

Question 1

What is a PAC? (Political Action Committee)

Answer 1

• A political committee set up to raise money to elect or defeat candidates.
• Only can give $5000 per candidate per election

Question 2

What are Super PACs?

Answer 2

• They can raise and spend unlimited money to advocate for or against candidates standing for elected office.
• They can’t donate directly to a candidate, they also can’t coordinate with a candidate’s campaign

Question 3

2016 presidential election campaign finance

Answer 3

• Clinton raised $1.4 billion compared to Trump who raised $957 million.
• However, despite Clinton raising more money, Trump won the presidency.

Question 4

Campaign finance - key legislation

Answer 4

• 1974 Federal Election Campaign Act: placed legal limits on campaign contributions
• 2002 Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act: banned soft money
• 2010 Citizens United v FEC: Supreme Court ruling which resulted in the development of super PAC’s