What is the main function of Political Action Committees (PACs)?

The primary function of Political Action Committees (PACs) is to raise and spend campaign money from voluntary donations. PACs play a critical role in the political process by collecting contributions from individuals and organizations, which they then distribute to candidates running for office or use for supporting specific political agendas. This financial support is crucial for candidates as it enables them to fund their campaigns, which require significant resources for advertising, outreach, and voter engagement.

While PACs can also engage in activities such as endorsements and lobbying, their main function lies in their capacity to pool resources and influence elections through financial support. This ability allows them to amplify the voices of their contributors and advocate for various political interests, thereby impacting the broader political landscape. They operate within specific legal frameworks that govern campaign finance, which further emphasizes their role in raising and spending contributions rather than merely making direct contributions or lobbying exclusively.