Final answer:
Individuals in the U.S. can donate $2,900 per candidate per election, allowing a total of $5,800 to a single candidate across both the primary and general elections. There are also separate limits for donations to PACs and national party committees.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it comes to campaign contributions, individuals can donate up to $2,900 per candidate per election in the United States. This means that for both the primary and the general election, a total of $5,800 can be contributed to a single candidate. For example, a person could donate $2,900 to help a candidate win their party's nomination and then, after the primary, donate another $2,900 for the general election campaign. Political action committees (PACs) and national party committees also have their respective limits, where individuals can donate $5,000 to PACs and up to $36,500 to a national party committee. Campaign finance laws adjust these amounts every two years to account for inflation, ensuring a level playing field and encouraging funds to be raised from a broad pool of contributors.