What is the role of a Political Action Committee (PAC)?

A Political Action Committee (PAC) is primarily established to raise and spend money in support of political candidates or causes, primarily through voluntary donations. The central function of a PAC is to collect contributions from members and then disburse funds to candidates or parties that align with their interests or objectives. This activity is crucial in shaping political campaigns and influencing election outcomes, as the financial support can significantly enhance a candidate's visibility and resonance with voters.

In contrast, while legal counsel (as referenced in option A) is important in the political landscape, it is not the main function of a PAC. PACs are not formed to represent or provide legal advice to candidates. Conducting independent political research (option C) may be a valuable activity within the political domain, but it is not the specific role of a PAC. Rather, PACs focus on financial contributions rather than research. Finally, enforcing campaign finance laws (option D) falls under the jurisdiction of regulatory bodies and not the responsibility of a PAC; their role is rather to operate within the frameworks established by these laws while engaging in their fundraising activities. Overall, the defining aspect of a PAC's function is its capacity to facilitate campaign financing through collected donations.