Swamp Watch / Explainers
The basicsExplainers
The rules behind the receipts. Short guides to how money moves through American politics, with links to the official sources.
- What is a super PAC?ExplainerSuper PACs can raise and spend unlimited money to influence elections. Here is how they work and what they have to disclose.
- What is dark money?ExplainerDark money is political spending by groups that do not have to reveal where their money comes from.
- How to read an FEC filingExplainerEvery federal candidate and PAC reports its money to the Federal Election Commission. Here is where to look and what the forms mean.
- What is a no-bid contract?ExplainerFederal agencies are supposed to let companies compete for contracts. A no-bid contract skips that step.
- What is a conflict-of-interest waiver?ExplainerFederal law bars officials from working on matters that affect their own finances, unless they get a waiver.
- What is a presidential pardon?ExplainerThe Constitution gives the president broad power to forgive federal crimes. Here is what that power covers and what it does not.
- How financial disclosures workExplainerSenior federal officials must report their assets, income, and trades. Here is what the reports show and where to find them.