Elections & terms
political action committee
A committee that raises money from individuals and gives to candidates within federal limits. Corporations and unions may run one funded by voluntary donations.
In full
A traditional PAC may contribute directly to candidates but is capped in both what it receives and what it gives. A connected PAC is sponsored by a corporation, union, or trade association and may solicit only its restricted class. Leadership PACs are run by officeholders to support other candidates, and their spending rules are notably looser.
Also written as: PAC, leadership PAC
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.