Diplomacy & Politics Glossary

Opaque channels through which large sums of money are funneled into political campaigns without clear disclosure of donors, often circumventing campaign finance laws.

Legal gaps or ambiguities in campaign finance laws that allow for unregulated or disguised political spending.

A system where public funds match small donations to political campaigns to amplify grassroots support and reduce candidates' reliance on large donors.

Political spending by groups that do not disclose their donors.

Organizations that spend money on political campaigns without disclosing their donors' identities.

Legal requirements for lobbyists to publicly report their activities and expenditures to promote transparency.

Regulations requiring lobbyists and interest groups to report their activities and expenditures to increase transparency.

Political donations made to parties or organizations for general purposes not regulated by federal campaign finance laws.

Political action committees that can raise unlimited funds but cannot directly coordinate with candidates.