“Dark money” refers to spending meant to influence political outcomes where the source of the money is not disclosed. Here’s how dark money makes its way into elections:
Politically active nonprofits such as 501(c)(4)s are generally under no legal obligation to disclose their donors even if they spend to influence elections. When they choose not to reveal their sources of funding, they are considered dark money groups.
Opaque nonprofits and shell companies may give unlimited amounts of money to super PACs. While super PACs are legally required to disclose their donors, some of these groups are effectively dark money outlets when the bulk of their funding cannot be traced back to the original donor.
Dark money groups have spent roughly $1 billion — mainly on television and online ads and mailers — to influence elections in the decade since the 2010 Citizens United v. FEC Supreme Court ruling that gave rise to politically active nonprofits. Citizens who are barraged with political messages paid for with money from undisclosed sources may not be able to consider the credibility and possible motives of the wealthy corporate or individual funders behind those messages.
What is "dark money" in the context of political campaigns?
How did the Supreme Court's ruling in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission in 2010 impact the flow of "dark money" in US politics?
What are 501(c)(4) groups, and how do they relate to "dark money" spending in elections?
What is the key difference between Super PACs and 501(c)(4)s regarding donor disclosure?
What are some examples of top "dark money" groups, and which political ideologies do they typically support?
How has the rise of "dark money" and other informal channels of political spending affected the influence of wealthy donors in politics?
What are some of the arguments against stricter disclosure requirements for "dark money" groups, particularly concerning political speech about public issues?
How might the concept of "dark money" be viewed in a broader context of how money influences politics beyond direct campaign-related disbursements?
Use dark moneyin a sentence that uses almost no curse words.
Find an image or emoji that does justice to the concept of dark money:
Remember!
Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw dark money. Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.
