Super PACs

Definition

Super PACs, or independent expenditure-only committees, are organizations that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to advocate for or against political candidates. They emerged in response to the Supreme Court's 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC, which allowed corporations and unions to make unlimited independent expenditures for political purposes. This shift changed the landscape of campaign finance significantly, allowing wealthy individuals and entities to influence elections more than ever before.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Super PACs must operate independently of candidate campaigns and cannot coordinate their spending with candidates or political parties.
2. They can receive contributions from individuals, corporations, and unions without any limit, making them a significant source of funding in elections.
3. The first Super PAC, 'American Crossroads,' was established in 2010 and has since inspired numerous others on both sides of the political spectrum.
4. Super PACs are required to disclose their donors, but many use loopholes or 'dark money' organizations to mask the true sources of their funding.
5. Their influence on elections has raised concerns about the potential for corruption and the diminishing power of average voters in the political process.

Review Questions

• How did the Citizens United v. FEC ruling contribute to the rise of Super PACs and change campaign finance?
  • The Citizens United v. FEC ruling allowed for unlimited independent expenditures by corporations and unions, which directly led to the creation of Super PACs. This decision fundamentally changed campaign finance by enabling these organizations to raise and spend as much money as they wanted on behalf of candidates without coordination. The ruling highlighted a significant shift towards allowing larger sums of money to influence election outcomes, thereby transforming how campaigns are financed.
• Discuss the differences between Super PACs and traditional Political Action Committees (PACs) in terms of spending limits and coordination with candidates.
  • Super PACs differ from traditional Political Action Committees (PACs) primarily in their ability to raise and spend unlimited amounts of money. While PACs have strict contribution limits and cannot exceed certain spending caps, Super PACs can accept large donations from individuals and entities without restrictions. Furthermore, Super PACs must operate independently from candidates, whereas traditional PACs can coordinate with campaigns within set limits. This lack of coordination requirements makes Super PACs particularly influential in shaping political landscapes.
• Evaluate the implications of Super PACs on democracy and voter influence within the electoral process.
  • The existence of Super PACs raises significant concerns regarding the health of democracy and the influence of voters. Their ability to raise unlimited funds allows wealthy individuals and organizations to exert considerable power over elections, potentially drowning out the voices of average voters. This financial advantage can lead to a political system that prioritizes the interests of affluent donors over the general electorate. As a result, Super PACs may contribute to greater inequality in political representation, undermining democratic principles by making access to political power dependent on wealth rather than citizen engagement.

Related terms

Citizens United v. FEC:

A landmark Supreme Court case that ruled the government cannot limit independent political expenditures by corporations and unions, leading to the rise of Super PACs.

Political Action Committee (PAC): A PAC is an organization that collects contributions from members to support political candidates, but is limited in how much it can spend compared to Super PACs.

Independent Expenditures:

Funds spent on behalf of a candidate that are not coordinated with their campaign, which Super PACs primarily engage in.