Campaign Finance - AP Government and Politics

McCutcheon v. FEC (2014). Removed overall contribution caps while keeping per-candidate limits.

To provide transparency about campaign funding sources. Allows voters to track money sources and potential conflicts.

Broadcast ads naming candidates close to elections. Restricted within 60 days of general or 30 days of primary.

Federal Election Commission (FEC). Enforces federal campaign finance laws and regulations.

Tax-exempt group influencing elections without advocating. Must disclose donors, unlike 501(c)(4) organizations.

Government matches small contributions for candidates. Encourages small-donor participation in campaigns.

Varies by state and office; set by FEC annually. Adjusted for inflation and population changes.

First federal law prohibiting corporate contributions. Established precedent for restricting corporate political influence.

Ads explicitly urging voters to support/oppose candidates. Uses magic words like 'vote for' or 'defeat.'

527 organizations. Political committees with tax-exempt status under IRC 527.

Ads focusing on issues, not explicitly on candidates. Avoids explicit candidate endorsement to escape regulations.

Oversee state/local campaign finance laws and violations. Parallel federal oversight but for state and local races.

$1,000$ in contributions or expenditures. Triggers federal reporting and disclosure requirements.

Group raising/spending over $1,000 for federal elections. Includes PACs, party committees, and candidate committees.

They allow influence by wealthy donors with large sums. Creates potential for corruption and inequality in elections.

Struck down increased contribution limits for opponents. Violated First Amendment by restricting wealthy candidates' rights.

Funds passed through an intermediary, like a PAC. Facilitates donations while maintaining contribution limits.

FEC audits, fines, and legal actions. Can impose civil penalties and refer criminal cases.

PACs used by politicians to raise funds for others. Help politicians build influence and support networks.

Indirect; affected voting rights, not directly finance. Weakened voting rights protections, not campaign finance directly.

$36,500$ as of 2023. Higher limit reflects parties' broader organizational role.

McCain-Feingold Act. Named after its primary sponsors, McCain and Feingold.

First Amendment (freedom of speech). Political expenditures considered protected speech.

Spending for ads supporting/against candidates, uncoordinated. Protected as free speech under Citizens United ruling.

Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA). Established contribution limits and disclosure requirements in 1971.

Unregulated contributions to parties for general activities. Banned by McCain-Feingold Act in 2002.

Buckley v. Valeo (1976). First Amendment protects political spending as free speech.

Political spending by undisclosed donors. Often flows through 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations.

Allowed corporations/unions to spend unlimited funds on ads. Overturned Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce.