i don't get the difference between an interest group and a PAC...
This site may help you.
http://www.pineforge.com/leonguerrero2study/policy_guide/visiting_a_special_interes_group_or_PAC.htm
An interest group and a Political Action Committee (PAC) are both important components of the American political system, but there are differences between them.
1. Definition:
- An interest group, also known as a lobbying group, is an organized group of individuals or organizations that seek to influence public policy and decisions on specific issues. They often provide information, resources, and expertise to policymakers to shape the outcomes of legislative or regulatory processes.
- A PAC, on the other hand, is a type of organization that is specifically formed to raise and spend money to support or oppose political candidates. PACs are primarily concerned with campaign finance activities and fundraising efforts.
2. Functions:
- Interest groups primarily focus on advocacy and influencing public policy. They may engage in activities such as lobbying, public campaigning, grassroots organizing, and research to advance their goals and promote their interests.
- PACs, on the other hand, are primarily focused on campaign finance activities. They raise money from individuals, corporations, or unions and use those funds to support political candidates or parties through donations, independent expenditures, or other means.
3. Legal Status and Regulation:
- Interest groups are not specifically addressed in campaign finance laws. While they are required to report their financial activities and registered with the government, they have more flexibility in terms of fundraising and spending limits.
- PACs, on the other hand, are subject to strict regulations and disclosure requirements under the Federal Election Commission (FEC) guidelines. This includes limits on how much money they can receive from individual donors and what they can spend to influence elections.
To understand the difference, it is helpful to consider that interest groups are focused on shaping public policy and advocating for specific issues, while PACs are primarily focused on campaign finance activities to support political candidates and parties.