What is a PAC?

A PAC, or Political Action Committee, is an organization that raises and spends money to elect or defeat political candidates. In the United States, these committees are primarily formed to donate funds to political campaigns, allowing individuals and groups with shared political interests to pool their financial resources. This mechanism plays a crucial role in the political fundraising landscape, contributing to campaign efforts and influencing policy direction based on the interests of their members.

PACs are regulated under federal law; they are required to register with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) if they have a certain threshold of contributions or expenditures. They can support candidates who align with their goals or oppose candidates who do not, thus acting as a significant force in American politics. The existence of PACs highlights the relationship between money and politics, showcasing how financial contributions can be wielded to amplify political voices.

Understanding the role of PACs is essential in analyzing electoral dynamics and the impact of money in politics, making option A the correct choice in this context.