Super PACs: Super PACs are independent political action committees that can raise unlimited amounts of money from corporations, unions, and individuals to support or oppose candidates. They cannot coordinate directly with candidates.
Soft Money: Soft money refers to unregulated donations made to political parties or organizations for 'party-building' activities rather than supporting specific candidates. It was banned by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA) in 2002.
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA): Also known as the McCain-Feingold Act, BCRA was a federal law passed in 2002 that aimed to regulate campaign financing by banning soft money contributions, imposing stricter rules on issue advocacy ads close to elections, and increasing disclosure requirements.