What term describes political spending by groups that do not have to disclose their donors?

• A. Hard money
• B. Dark money
• C. Soft money
• D. Public funding

Answer: (B)

Dark money refers to political spending by nonprofit or tax-exempt groups that do not have to disclose their donors. These organizations, like certain social welfare groups or trade associations, can spend large sums to influence elections while the sources of their funds remain hidden. This anonymity comes from their tax status, allowing advocacy without requiring public donor disclosure. In contrast, hard money is direct contributions to campaigns that must be disclosed, soft money refers to past unregulated party contributions, and public funding comes from the government with its own reporting rules. So this term best captures the idea of spending where donors aren’t publicly revealed.