What is an example of an independent expenditure?

What is an example of an independent expenditure?

An independent expenditure is an expenditure for a communication, such as a website, newspaper, TV or direct mail advertisement that: Expressly advocates the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate; and.

Can an individual contribute money directly to a candidate for a federal office?

Although an individual may contribute up to the primary limit to a publicly funded presidential primary candidate, only a maximum of $250 of each individual’s contribution is counted towards federal matching funds.

Can soft money be used in federal elections?

SOFT MONEY EXPENDITURES Soft money is used to pay for a party organization’s overhead expenses, as well as shared expenses that benefit both federal and non-federal elections, even if they indirectly benefit federal candidates.

Can corporations make direct political contributions?

Corporations and labor organizations may not use their general treasury funds to make contributions to political committees or candidates. In addition, national banks and federally chartered corporations may not make contributions in connection with any U.S. election—federal, state or local.

What is the difference between contributions and expenditures?

For example, if a person gives $100 to a candidate, that person has made a contribution. On the other hand, if a person spends money on advertising, flyers, etc. to support a candidate, but does so in a manner that is completely independent of the candidate, he or she has made an independent expenditure.

What are PAC contributions?

In the United States, a political action committee (PAC) is a 527 organization that pools campaign contributions from members and donates those funds to campaigns for or against candidates, ballot initiatives, or legislation. Union-affiliated PACs may only solicit contributions from members.

What types of contributions are not disclosed to the federal government?

These prohibited sources are:

• Corporations, including nonprofit corporations (although funds from a corporate separate segregated fund are permissible)
• Labor organizations (although funds from a separate segregated fund are permissible)
• Federal government contractors.
• Foreign nationals.

What are hard money donations?

Hard money (policy), currency backed by precious metal. “Hard money” donations to candidates for political office (tightly regulated, as opposed to unregulated “soft money”)

Can an LLC make political contributions?

Prohibited partnership/LLC contributions An LLC that elects to be treated as a corporation for tax purposes is treated as a corporation under the Federal Election Campaign Act (the Act) and thus is generally prohibited from making contributions in connection with federal elections.

Can a campaign solicit contributions from a foreign national?

Campaigns may not solicit or accept contributions from foreign nationals. Federal law prohibits contributions, donations, expenditures and disbursements solicited, directed, received or made directly or indirectly by or from foreign nationals in connection with any election — federal, state or local.

Can a company contribute to a political committee?

A political committee is prohibited from knowingly accepting a contribution that violates the prohibitions on contributions. The Federal Election Campaign Act prohibits corporations and labor organizations from making contributions in connection with federal elections.

How does a contribution to a candidate count?

Contributions count toward the threshold that determines whether an individual has qualified as a candidate under the Federal Election Campaign Act (the Act). Contributions are subject to the Act’s prohibitions against contributions from certain sources.

Can a federal candidate accept funds from a nonfederal Committee?

However, an authorized committee of a federal candidate may not accept any transfers of funds or assets from a committee established by the same candidate for a nonfederal election.