PAC (Political Action Committee)

Definition

An organization formed to collect and distribute campaign contributions, legally separating corporate money from direct campaign coordination (wink, wink).

Example Usage

The Super PAC raised $50 million for the presidential candidate through unlimited donations.

Origin

Formalized in 1974 after Watergate campaign finance reforms

Fun Fact

After Citizens United v. FEC, 'Super PACs' can raise unlimited funds but cannot coordinate with campaigns

Source: Campaign finance terminology, FEC regulations

Related Terms

Beginner

recess

The blessed break when legislative bodies pause their feuding to catch their breath, regroup, or go home for a while without technically adjourning. It's the political equivalent of a timeout, allowing representatives to face constituents, fundraise, or simply escape each other's company. Not to be confused with elementary school recess, though the maturity levels can be comparable.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Beginner

continuing resolution

Temporary funding legislation that keeps government operating at current levels when Congress can't pass a proper budget, essentially hitting the snooze button on fiscal responsibility. It's governance by procrastination.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Advanced

limited hangout

A strategic information leak where you confess to something juicy but relatively minor to distract people from the full scandal. Think of it as throwing investigators a bone so they stop digging for the entire skeleton. Popularized during Watergate, this tactic is the political equivalent of admitting you ate one cookie when you actually demolished the whole jar.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Intermediate

point of order

A parliamentary objection claiming that rules or procedures are being violated, allowing any member to interrupt proceedings and demand the chair make a ruling. It's the legislative equivalent of calling for the referee.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Beginner

lame duck session

A legislative session held after an election but before newly elected members take office, where defeated or retiring lawmakers vote on policy with zero accountability. Democracy's equivalent of a going-out-of-business sale.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Beginner

culture war

Political conflict centered on cultural, social, and moral values rather than economic or foreign policy, fought through symbolic issues and identity politics. Where actual governance takes a back seat to arguing about Dr. Seuss books and potato-based toys.

🏛️ Government / Politics

Translate This Term

See “PAC (Political Action Committee)” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

Try the Translator

Share This Term

Post on X Share on Facebook Share on LinkedIn

Discover a Term

Beginner

tgiwjo

Thank God It Was Just Once...