Political Action Committees, commonly known as PACs, are organizations that collect and spend money to influence elections and public policy in the United States. They play a significant role in shaping the political landscape by providing financial support to candidates, parties, and causes. PACs can be formed by individuals, corporations, labor unions, or other special interest groups to advocate for their shared interests.

PACs can contribute directly to candidate campaigns, party committees, and other PACs. They can also engage in independent expenditures, such as running advertisements, mailers, and phone banks, to promote or oppose specific candidates or issues. In recent years, Super PACs have emerged, which can accept unlimited contributions from individuals, corporations, and unions, allowing them to spend vast amounts of money on political advertising and activities. This has led to concerns about the impact of money on politics and the potential for corruption and undue influence.

Despite these concerns, PACs remain an important part of the American political system. They provide a means for citizens and organizations to pool their resources and amplify their voices in the political process. By supporting candidates and causes they believe in, PACs help shape the direction of the country's policies and leadership. However, it is essential to ensure that PACs operate transparently and within legal limits to maintain the integrity of democracy.