Campaign Finance
Campaign finance is the system of rules for raising and spending money to influence elections. It covers donations from individuals, political action committees, and parties, along with limits, reporting requirements, and the agencies and courts that enforce them. Congress writes the laws, the Federal Election Commission administers them, and the Supreme Court has shaped their boundaries.
People usually bring questions about who can give money and how much influence it buys. Others ask what PACs and Super PACs are, how hard money and soft money differ, how lobbying relates to donations, and how political ads are paid for and disclosed.
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All Articles on Campaign Finance
Supreme Court Party Spending Ruling: What Changed
The Supreme Court removed caps on party spending coordinated with candidates. Learn what changed, which donor limits remain and why the justices split.
How Lobbying Became a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
From hotel lobbies where early petitioners sought lawmakers to today's sophisticated K Street operations, the American influence industry has undergone a dramatic transformation. What…
Political Advertising vs. Issue Advocacy: What Every Voter Should Know
Election season brings a flood of messages competing for your attention and your vote. Television commercials, social media posts, and digital ads from various…
Hard Money vs. Soft Money: How Campaign Finance Rules Shape American Elections
Campaign finance in America operates through a complex web of rules that determine who can give money to politicians, how much they can give,…
PACs and Super PACs: How Money Flows in American Politics
Money shapes American elections, but the rules governing campaign finance can seem impossibly complex. Two key players—Political Action Committees (PACs) and Super PACs—operate under…