2. Campaign Finance – All funds raised in order to promote
candidates, political parties, or public policy in an election
Public Finance – Government funds budgeted for the
purpose of running campaigns and elections.
Private Finance – Money used to finance campaigns that
come from private donors as a result of fundraising. Can
come from individuals, companies, interest groups and
Political Action Committees (PACs).
Campaign Finance

3. Federal campaign law is created by Congress, but
enforced by the FEC
The Federal Election Committee (FEC) is an independent
federal agency in charge of carrying out campaign law.
The FEC is part of the Executive Branch, but does not
answer to the President or his Cabinet.
Campaign Finance Cont.

4. The presidential election, both the primaries and the
general are both publically and privately financed.
All other federal election campaigns are funded privately
The largest percentage of funds typically come from
corporations
State and local elections are regulated at the state level
Campaign Finance Cont.

5. Interest Group – Any voluntary association that seeks to
publically promote and create advantages for its cause
through lobbying.
Lobbying – Any attempt by individuals or interest groups
that to influence the decisions of government.
Lobbyist – Someone who meets with politicians on behalf
of the person or group who pays them
Interest Groups

6. Interest groups may include:
Corporations
Charitable and Non-Profit Organizations
Civil Rights Groups
Neighborhood Associations
Professional and trade organizations
Interest Groups Cont.

7. Many interest groups endorse politicians that share their
beliefs. Endorsement includes…
Making donations to a politician’s campaign
Advertise candidates independently
Politicians will typically support the ideas of any interest
group who endorses them while in office.
Interest Groups Cont.