Political Action Committees Overview

This video tutorial by the FEC Information Division explains the process of forming a political action committee (PAC). It covers the registration requirements for groups that raise or spend over $1,000 to influence federal elections. The tutorial details different types of PACs, including non-connected PACs, super PACs, and hybrid PACs, and their specific functions. It also discusses the rules for contributing to state and federal candidates and provides resources for further information.

What is the minimum amount a group must raise or spend to be required to register with the FEC as a PAC?

• $500

• $1,000

• $5,000

• $10,000

Which type of PAC should a group register as if they are interested in making contributions to federal candidates?

• Non-federal PAC

• Hybrid PAC

• Non-connected PAC

• Super PAC

If a group wants to support only state and local candidates, what should they do?

• Register as a super PAC

• Contact the state elections office

• Register as a non-connected PAC

• Register as a hybrid PAC

What might a group need to do if they want to contribute to both state and federal candidates?

• Register as a non-federal PAC

• Use a non-connected PAC in all states

• Establish a super PAC

• Establish separate federal and non-federal committees

What is a key characteristic of super PACs?

• They are limited to state-level activities

• They must register as non-connected PACs

• They can accept unlimited contributions

• They can make contributions to federal candidates

What is a limitation of super PACs?

• They cannot support state candidates

• They cannot make independent expenditures

• They cannot make contributions to federal candidates

• They cannot accept corporate contributions

What is a hybrid PAC?

• A PAC that only accepts limited contributions

• A combination of a non-connected PAC and a super PAC

• A PAC that only supports state candidates

• A PAC that only makes independent expenditures

What is required for a hybrid PAC to function?

• Multiple state registrations

• Two separate bank accounts

• A single bank account

• No bank account

What might some states require for supporting state and local candidates?

• A hybrid PAC

• A single federal committee

• A super PAC

• A separate non-federal committee

Where can more information about different types of PACs be found?

• State election office

• FEC website

• Political party headquarters

• Local library