Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002

Also known as McCain-Feingold Act (2002), it aimed to address "soft money" contributions by banning them at the national party level and restricting "electioneering communications" close to elections.

Contributions directly given to a candidate's campaign, subject to strict FEC limits.

Unregulated funds given to political parties for "party-building activities," not directly tied to a specific candidate.

Political Action Committees (PACs) that can raise and spend unlimited funds to support or oppose candidates but cannot coordinate directly with campaigns.

Organizations and Nonprofit Groups

Can engage in some political activity but are not required to disclose donors, often used for "dark money."

Stand by Your Ad Provision

A requirement from the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002 mandating that candidates and political organizations include a clear disclaimer in their advertisements. It typically includes the phrase, “I’m [Candidate's Name], and I approve this message.”

Independent Expenditures

Super PACs spend money on political advertising in support of or against a particular candidate. Not coordinated with a particular candidate's campaign, authorized candidate committee or political party committee.[

Citizens United Ruling

The Supreme Court held that corporations and unions can spend unlimited amounts on independent political expenditures, asserting this is protected free speech under the First Amendment. The decision overturned parts of BCRA related to electioneering communications

Electioneering Communications

is any broadcast, cable or satellite communication that refers to a clearly identified federal candidate, is publicly distributed within 30 days of a primary or 60 days of a general election and is targeted to the relevant electorate

Impact of Citizens United Ruling

It led to a surge in outside spending in elections, largely through Super PACs.

Federal Elections Commission. Headed up by 3 Commissioners. An independent regulatory agency charged with administering and enforcing the federal campaign finance law.

Rules made by a government or other authority in order to control the way something is done or the way people behave.

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Campaign Finance

Campaign Finance and Citizens United vs the FEC

Term	Definition
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002	Also known as McCain-Feingold Act (2002), it aimed to address "soft money" contributions by banning them at the national party level and restricting "electioneering communications" close to elections.
Hard Money	Contributions directly given to a candidate's campaign, subject to strict FEC limits.
Soft Money	Unregulated funds given to political parties for "party-building activities," not directly tied to a specific candidate.
Super PACs	Political Action Committees (PACs) that can raise and spend unlimited funds to support or oppose candidates but cannot coordinate directly with campaigns.
Organizations and Nonprofit Groups	Can engage in some political activity but are not required to disclose donors, often used for "dark money."
Stand by Your Ad Provision	A requirement from the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) of 2002 mandating that candidates and political organizations include a clear disclaimer in their advertisements. It typically includes the phrase, “I’m [Candidate's Name], and I approve this message.”
Independent Expenditures	Super PACs spend money on political advertising in support of or against a particular candidate. Not coordinated with a particular candidate's campaign, authorized candidate committee or political party committee.[
Citizens United Ruling	The Supreme Court held that corporations and unions can spend unlimited amounts on independent political expenditures, asserting this is protected free speech under the First Amendment. The decision overturned parts of BCRA related to electioneering communications
Electioneering Communications	is any broadcast, cable or satellite communication that refers to a clearly identified federal candidate, is publicly distributed within 30 days of a primary or 60 days of a general election and is targeted to the relevant electorate
Impact of Citizens United Ruling	It led to a surge in outside spending in elections, largely through Super PACs.
The F.E.C.	Federal Elections Commission. Headed up by 3 Commissioners. An independent regulatory agency charged with administering and enforcing the federal campaign finance law.
Regulations	Rules made by a government or other authority in order to control the way something is done or the way people behave.

Created by: Lynn Pritt

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