Political Action Committees (PACs)
Purpose: Political Action Committees (PACs) are organizations that collect and distribute contributions to political candidates and parties. Their primary purpose is to raise funds to support politicians who align with their interests or to oppose those who do not. PACs can represent a variety of interests, including business, labor, environmental, and ideological causes.
Influence on Campaign Funding: PACs influence campaign funding by directly contributing to candidates' campaigns, which can significantly impact electoral outcomes. They often engage in fundraising efforts to pool resources from individuals and organizations, allowing them to make substantial donations. PACs can also use their funds for political advertising and mobilization efforts, thereby shaping public perceptions and voter turnout.
Special Interest Groups
Purpose: Special interest groups are organizations that advocate for specific interests or causes, ranging from environmental issues and labor rights to business interests and various social justice causes. Their aim is to influence public policy and decision-making processes in favor of their specific agendas.
Influence on Campaign Funding: Special interest groups play a critical role in campaign funding by supporting PACs or establishing their own PACs to finance candidates who promote their policy goals. They may also engage in grassroots fundraising efforts or mobilize their members to donate to supportive candidates. Additionally, special interest groups can influence campaign strategies and messaging through their financial support, thereby impacting the broader political landscape.