What is the term for funds raised and spent by political groups not directly dedicated to a specific candidate?

The correct term for funds raised and spent by political groups not directly dedicated to a specific candidate is soft money. This type of funding is typically used for party-building activities, issue advocacy, and other expenditures that may support a party or candidate indirectly, but do not go directly to a candidate's campaign.

Soft money became notable in the context of political finance reform, particularly with the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, which aimed to restrict the use of soft money in federal elections. Notably, this financing can come from various sources and is usually less regulated compared to hard money, which refers to contributions that are directly tied to specific candidates and are subject to strict regulations, including limits on the amount that can be contributed.

Independent expenditures are funds spent by individuals or groups to advocate for or against a candidate without coordinating with a candidate's campaign. Electioneering funds generally pertain to resources utilized specifically for election-related activities. Understanding the distinctions among these terms is crucial for grasping the complexities of political financing and the regulatory environment surrounding campaign funds.