What is the main difference between PACs and Super PACs?

The main difference between PACs (Political Action Committees) and Super PACs lies in the fundraising capabilities and the nature of their operations. Super PACs have the ability to raise unlimited amounts of money from individuals, corporations, and unions, which allows them to mobilize substantial financial resources for their political activities. However, they are restricted in that they cannot coordinate directly with candidates or political parties. This distinction is crucial as it allows for a more significant influence on elections while maintaining a formal separation from candidate campaigns.

In contrast, traditional PACs typically have limits on the amount they can contribute to candidates or parties, which means they do not possess the same financial clout as Super PACs. Additionally, PACs can engage in direct contributions to campaigns and may have more flexibility in coordinating with candidates compared to Super PACs.

Understanding the structural differences between PACs and Super PACs is essential for comprehending the regulatory environment of political finance in the United States, which has evolved significantly following court rulings such as Citizens United v. FEC.