Introduction
Money is often called the "lifeblood of politics," and in AP Government, campaign finance is one of the most heavily tested topics. Understanding how money influences elections, the role of interest groups, and landmark Supreme Court decisions will give you an edge on multiple-choice and free-response questions.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key laws, Supreme Court cases, PACs and Super PACs, and how to write strong exam answers about campaign finance.
Why Campaign Finance Matters in AP Gov
Campaign finance connects to multiple themes in AP Government:
- Political Participation – Money influences who runs for office and how voters are reached.
- Linkage Institutions – Campaign finance connects interest groups, political parties, and voters.
- Supreme Court Decisions – Landmark rulings define what’s constitutional in elections.
Expect to see campaign finance show up in multiple-choice, FRQs, and concept application questions.
Key Campaign Finance Laws
- Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA, 1971 & 1974): Created rules for campaign donations, required disclosure of contributions, and established the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
- Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA, 2002): Also known as McCain-Feingold, it banned soft money (unregulated contributions) and regulated issue ads.
These laws are foundational for understanding how money is regulated in elections.
PACs and Super PACs Explained
- Political Action Committees (PACs): Organizations that collect donations and contribute directly to candidates, subject to contribution limits.
- Super PACs: Created after Citizens United v. FEC (2010), these groups can raise and spend unlimited money independently, but cannot coordinate directly with candidates.
On the AP exam, you must explain the difference: PACs have limits, Super PACs don’t.
Landmark Supreme Court Cases
- Buckley v. Valeo (1976): Candidates can spend unlimited amounts of their own money; money = free speech.
- Citizens United v. FEC (2010): Corporate and union spending on independent political ads is protected free speech under the First Amendment.
Both cases highlight the tension between free speech and regulating money in politics.
Soft Money vs. Hard Money
- Soft Money: Unregulated donations to political parties (banned by BCRA).
- Hard Money: Regulated contributions given directly to candidates, with strict limits.
Knowing this distinction is crucial for multiple-choice questions.
Campaign Finance on the AP Gov Exam
You may be asked to:
- Define PACs and Super PACs.
- Explain the impact of Supreme Court rulings.
- Analyze a graph showing campaign spending.
- Evaluate whether money has too much influence in politics.
Example FRQ: Explain how Citizens United v. FEC changed the role of money in elections.
Tips for Mastering Campaign Finance in AP Gov
- Memorize Buckley v. Valeo and Citizens United v. FEC.
- Know the difference between PACs and Super PACs.
- Understand how BCRA banned soft money.
- Use RevisionDojo practice questions to reinforce your knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between PACs and Super PACs?
A: PACs can contribute directly to candidates but have contribution limits, while Super PACs can spend unlimited amounts independently.
Q: What did Citizens United v. FEC decide?
A: That corporate and union political spending is free speech protected under the First Amendment.
Q: Why was BCRA important?
A: It banned soft money and regulated electioneering communications, reshaping campaign finance.
Q: How do I prepare for campaign finance questions?
A: Use RevisionDojo’s AP Gov resources, which include practice problems and explanations for campaign finance concepts.
Conclusion
Campaign finance is a must-know topic for the AP Government exam. By mastering the key laws, PACs vs. Super PACs, and landmark Supreme Court rulings, you’ll be ready to tackle both multiple-choice and FRQs confidently.
For structured practice and clear explanations, check out RevisionDojo’s AP Gov materials, designed to help you score a 5.
