What does PAC stand for?

A PAC is a political action committee. PACs are used to raise and spend money to help elect and defeat opposing candidates. PACs are limited by law on how much money can give to candidates.

PACs are required to register with the Federal Election Committee when they are formed. During registration, the PAC is required to provide its address, treasurer and the names of any other organizations that are connected to the group.

The first PAC was the Congress of Industrial Organizations. They were formed to help re-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt. Union members were allowed to donate to the PAC, without violating a law that prohibited unions from donating to certain candidates.