Final answer:
In 2014, there were around 5,000 political action committees in the U.S., which play a significant role in campaign financing and are subject to certain contribution limits.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 2014, there were approximately 5,000 political action committees (PACs) in the United States. These organizations, including interest groups, form PACs to raise funds to contribute to candidates who align with their interests. PACs are subject to contribution limits, such as being able to contribute no more than $5,000 per candidate per election and up to $15,000 a year to a national political party. Corporations, politically or ideologically oriented groups, and industry-specific PACs all participate in the funding of campaigns to influence politics to their favor.