📚 Topic Summary
501(c)(4) organizations, often called “social welfare” groups, are non-profits that can engage in political activities, as long as that's not their primary purpose. This means they can influence elections, but unlike traditional political committees, they don't have to disclose their donors in many cases. This unique position raises questions about transparency and the role of money in politics. Understanding the rules governing these groups is essential for informed civic engagement.
🧠 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the term with the correct definition:
- Term: Social Welfare Organization
- Term: Political Activity
- Term: Disclosure
- Term: Primary Purpose
- Term: Dark Money
Definitions:
- The act of revealing or making information public.
- Actions taken to influence the outcome of an election.
- A non-profit primarily focused on community benefit, but allowed some political activity.
- The main or chief aim of an organization.
- Funds used to influence elections where the donors are not disclosed.
Answer Key:
- 🔍 Social Welfare Organization - A non-profit primarily focused on community benefit, but allowed some political activity.
- 🗳️ Political Activity - Actions taken to influence the outcome of an election.
- 📝 Disclosure - The act of revealing or making information public.
- 🎯 Primary Purpose - The main or chief aim of an organization.
- 🌑 Dark Money - Funds used to influence elections where the donors are not disclosed.
✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
501(c)(4) organizations are permitted to engage in __________ activities, but such activities cannot be their __________ __________ . Unlike traditional political committees, they often do not have to __________ their __________ , leading to concerns about transparency and the role of __________ __________ in elections.
Answer Key:
- 💡 Political
- 📊 Primary Purpose
- 🕵️ Disclose
- 💰 Donors
- 💸 Dark Money
🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
How do 501(c)(4) organizations both benefit and potentially harm the democratic process in the United States?