1. PACs

2. Political Action Committees Political Action Committees, commonly called "PACs," are organizations dedicated to raising and spending money to either elect or defeat political candidates.

3. Political Action Committees Most PACs are directly connected to specific corporations, labor groups, or recognized political parties.

4. Political Action Committees Examples of these PACs include Microsoft (a corporate PAC) and the Teamsters Union (organized labor).

5. Political Action Committees PACs solicit contributions from employees or members and make contributions in the PACs name to candidates or political parties.

6. Political Action Committees Non-connected or ideological PACs raise and spend money to elect candidates -- from any political party -- who support their ideals or agendas

7. Political Action Committees Non-connected PACs are made up of individuals or groups of U.S. citizens, not connected to a corporation, a labor party or a political party.

8. Political Action Committees Examples of non- connected PACs include the National Rifle Association (gun owner rights) (abortion, pro- choice). A non-connected PAC can solicit contributions from the general public of U.S. citizens and permanent residents.

9. Political Action Committees A third type of PAC, called "leadership PACs" are formed by politicians to help fund the campaigns of other politicians.

10. Political Action Committees Politicians often create leadership PACs in an effort to prove their party loyalty or to further their goal of being elected to a higher office.

11. Political Action Committees Under federal election laws, PACs can legally contribute only $5,000 to a candidate committee per election (primary, general or special). They can also give up to $15,000 annually to any national party committee, and $5,000 annually to any other PAC.