What is the function of a political action committee (PAC)?

A political action committee (PAC) serves the primary function of raising and spending money to support political candidates and their campaigns. PACs are organizations formed by businesses, labor unions, or other special interest groups with the goal of influencing elections and political policies by financially backing candidates who align with their interests. They do this by contributing funds directly to candidates’ campaigns or by sponsoring independent expenditures that advocate for or against particular candidates.

This role is significant in the political process, as it allows groups with a common interest to pool their resources and amplify their voice in the electoral system. By engaging in fundraising and contributing to campaigns, PACs can help elect candidates who support their agendas, thereby impacting policy decisions once those candidates are in office.

Other choices, such as providing legal assistance, conducting scientific research, or advising government on policy, describe functions that are not the primary purpose of a PAC. Legal assistance might be more closely related to law firms or civil rights organizations, scientific research pertains to academic or governmental institutions, and policy advising is usually the role of think tanks or lobbying groups rather than PACs focused on campaign financing.