Political action committees (PACs) and super PACs both play roles in financing political campaigns, but they differ significantly in their operational structures. PACs can contribute directly to candidates within legal limits, typically linked to a specific party or interest group. In contrast, super PACs can raise and spend unlimited amounts to advocate for or against candidates, although they cannot directly contribute to campaigns. This distinction highlights a crucial difference in influence and funding mechanisms in the American political landscape, with super PACs often having a more substantial impact due to their unrestricted financial capabilities.