# Super PAC Definition

> Super PACs raise unlimited funds for federal elections without directly funding campaigns.
- Title: Super PAC Definition · USAFacts | Shortify
- Summary: Super PACs raise unlimited funds for federal elections without directly funding campaigns. Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited money on federal…
- Keywords: super pac, federal election commission, political action committee, unlimited funds, independent expenditures, 2026 midterm, news, politics, money, Super, PAC, Definition
- Source: USAFacts — https://usafacts.org/articles/super-pac-definition
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: super pac, federal election commission, political action committee, unlimited funds, independent expenditures, 2026 midterm, news, politics, money
## What is a super PAC?
A super PAC is a type of political action committee that can raise and spend unlimited money to support or oppose federal candidates but cannot give money directly to their campaigns.
## When did super PACs start?
Super PACs began in 2010 after a federal appeals court ruled in SpeechNow.org v. FEC that limits on contributions to groups making only independent expenditures were unconstitutional.

> SpeechNow.org v. FEC
## How do super PACs spend money?
A super PAC spends its money on independent expenditures, which are ads or messages urging the election or defeat of a clearly identified candidate without coordination with campaigns.
## What are the rules for super PACs?
A super PAC must register within 10 days of raising or spending more than $1,000 in a calendar year and cannot coordinate spending with candidates or parties.
## How much money do super PACs handle?
In the 2023, 2024 election cycle, 2,526 super PACs reported $5.1 billion in receipts and $2.7 billion in independent expenditures.

> $5.1 billion
## What is the difference between PACs and super PACs?
Traditional PACs can give up to $5,000 per election to candidates, while super PACs have no cap on raising or spending money.

> $5,000
## Key takeaway

Super PACs can raise and spend unlimited money on federal elections but cannot fund candidates directly.