Define a PAC. What limitations do PACs face when raising funds? What limitations do they face when contributing funds? Who are the primary recipients of PAC contributions, and why? In what significant ways does a PAC differ from a super PAC?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

A PAC is the political action committee of an interest group that tries to gain influence by contributing money to the campaigns of political candidates. PAC contributions account for roughly a fifth of total contributions to congressional campaigns. Their role is less significant in presidential campaigns, which are larger in scale and depend on a wider range of funding sources. PACs face limitations on their efforts to raise funds. They can raise money for election campaigns by soliciting voluntary contributions from group members. Limitations also exist on the levels of contribution. A PAC can contribute no more than $10,000 to a candidate for federal office-$5,000 in the primary and $5,000 in the general election. The primary recipients of PAC contributions are incumbents. Congressional incumbents are highly likely to win and thus to remain in a position to make public policy. For this reason, the great bulk of PAC contributions are given to incumbents seeking reelection. Super PACs are not allowed to give money directly to candidates or parties, but they are otherwise more or less free to spend as much as they want.