The role of money in elections and its intersection with free speech rights.

Funds given directly to a candidate, regulated by FECA.

Donations to political parties or interest groups, not regulated by FECA.

An organization that raises money privately to influence elections or legislation, especially at the federal level.

A type of independent political action committee which may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, and individuals but is not permitted to contribute to or coordinate directly with parties or candidates.

Political ads that refer to a clearly identified candidate within a certain period before an election.

An independent regulatory agency whose purpose is to enforce campaign finance law in United States federal elections.

Money spent to support or oppose political candidates without direct coordination with their campaigns.

The requirement to report donors and amounts contributed to political campaigns and organizations.

The concept, established in Buckley v. Valeo, that spending money on political campaigns is a form of free speech protected by the First Amendment.

Hard Money: Direct to candidate, regulated by FECA. | Soft Money: To parties/groups, not regulated by FECA.

PACs: Limited contributions, direct donations. | Super PACs: Unlimited contributions, independent expenditures only.

Cause: Court ruling on corporate free speech. Effect: Rise of Super PACs and increased corporate spending.

Cause: Desire to regulate campaign finance. Effect: Limits on donations, creation of FEC, rise of soft money.

Cause: Soft money loophole and concerns about influence. Effect: Banned soft money, increased disclosure, rise of 527 groups.