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Lesson

Campaign Finance: PACs and SuperPACs

Guiding question

How have the branches of the federal government legislated and ruled on campaign finance?

Duration
45 min
Published
Jul 5, 2024
Image of the U.S. Capitol building overlaid with fanned-out dollar bills and a blue stylized line.
How do PACS and super PACs aid in financing political campaigns?

Guiding Questions

  • How have the branches of the federal government legislated and ruled on campaign finance?
  • What are the different types of political action committees (PACs)?
  • How do PACs and superPACs compare?

Objectives

  • Students will be able to explain how the financing of national political campaigns affects the election process.

Materials

Student Resources: 

Lesson Components

ActivityCampaign Finance Graphic Organizer

Help students explain how the financing of national political campaigns affects the election process.

ActivityPACs and SuperPACs Handout
ActivityCitizens United v. FEC (2010)

The Supreme Court case Citizens United v. FEC (2010) serves as the primary source for this case study, providing a pivotal ruling on campaign finance and the role of money in elections.

EssayCampaign Finance Case Study

Examine the the role of money in American politics.

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Lesson plan

45 minClick a phase to open it

More Information

Facilitation Notes 

  • This lesson focuses on campaign finance not campaign organization and strategies. 

Standards

Check whether this resource aligns with your state’s standards →