AP U.S. Government and Politics Glossary

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High Five AP Government & Politics Exam Review Updated for 2025
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High Five AP Government & Politics Exam Review Updated for 2025
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Jonathan Milner Jonathan Milner

Federal Election Commission (FEC) 

Definition

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) is an independent agency of the United States Government that enforces federal campaign finance laws, including monitoring donation prohibitions, and limits and oversees public funding for presidential campaigns. Created in 1974 through amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act, the commission describes its duties as "to disclose campaign finance information, to enforce the provisions of the law such as the limits and prohibitions on contributions, and to oversee the public funding of Presidential elections." It is led by six commissioners who are nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate. The current chair of the FEC is Sean J. Cooksey. The current annual FEC budget is $74.5 million.

Example

 
 

Questions

  1. What is the Federal Election Commission?

  2. Who is the chair of the Federal Election Commission?

  3. Who appoints the members of the FEC?

  4. What is the relationship between the FEC and the legislative branch?

  5. The FEC is an independent agency. In what way is it independent?

  6. What emoji would do a good job of expressing the concept of the Federal Election Commission?

  7. How many members are on the Federal Election Commission?

  8. Why aren’t you on the Federal Election Commission?

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 Federal Election Commission! 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.

I asked AI to write a breakup letter from me to the chair of the FEC, Sean Cooksey. I think AI misunderstood.

Dear Mr. Cooksey,

I am writing to formally notify you of my decision to end our professional relationship. While I have valued our time together, I believe it is in my best interest to move forward independently.

I appreciate the opportunities you have provided me, and I wish you and the Federal Election Commission continued success in your endeavors.

Sincerely,

Jonathan Milner

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2024 AP US Government Exam