Which term refers to money given directly to candidates that is subject to legal limits?

Which term refers to money given directly to candidates that is subject to legal limits?

• A. Soft money
• B. Independent expenditures
• C. Hard money
• D. Dark money

Answer: (C)

In campaign finance, money given directly to a candidate's campaign that is subject to legal limits is called hard money. This funds the candidate’s campaign committee and is tightly regulated, with caps on how much any one donor can contribute and requirements to disclose who gave the money. The purpose of these limits is to keep fundraising transparent and reduce potential undue influence. Soft money refers to contributions to parties or committees for general purposes, not tied to a specific candidate, and not subject to the same direct-candidate limits. Independent expenditures are spending by outside groups to advocate for or against a candidate without coordinating with the campaign. Dark money describes spending by groups that do not disclose their donors. Since the question specifies money given directly to candidates and limited by law, hard money is the best fit.

In campaign finance, money given directly to a candidate's campaign that is subject to legal limits is called hard money. This funds the candidate’s campaign committee and is tightly regulated, with caps on how much any one donor can contribute and requirements to disclose who gave the money. The purpose of these limits is to keep fundraising transparent and reduce potential undue influence.

Soft money refers to contributions to parties or committees for general purposes, not tied to a specific candidate, and not subject to the same direct-candidate limits. Independent expenditures are spending by outside groups to advocate for or against a candidate without coordinating with the campaign. Dark money describes spending by groups that do not disclose their donors. Since the question specifies money given directly to candidates and limited by law, hard money is the best fit.