1. Unit 3 – Parties, Interest Groups and Public Policy

2.  Private groups that collect money and donate to political campaigns  Interest groups  Corporations  Unions

3.  Since 1925 it has been illegal for corporations and labor unions to contribute to candidates  Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971  Set limits on contributions ▪ Individuals - $1,000 (now $2000 + inflation) per candidate per election ▪ PACs -$5,000 per candidate per election ▪ NO limit on soft money (now limited to $10,000 at the state only)

4.  Citizens United v Federal Election Commission  Corporate funding of independent political broadcasts cannot be limited under the 1 st Amendment