Final answer:
A wealthy individual who financially supports causes or persons is known as a patron or donor, playing a significant role in the political realm through donations. Campaign finance laws limit individual contributions to preserve political balance, but the 2012 Citizens United decision allowed for unlimited corporate and union PAC contributions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A rich person who gives money to support a particular cause or person is often referred to as a patron or donor. In the realm of politics, such individuals can exert significant influence on government policy and elections through their financial contributions.
Campaign finance laws have placed some limits on individual donations to candidates, political action committees (PACs), and national committees to maintain the integrity of the political process and to prevent an imbalance of influence.
Despite these limits, the 2012 Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission allowed for unlimited contributions from corporations and unions to PACs, which sparked concerns over the potential for oligarchy and the undermining of democracy.
These financial contributions illustrate a critical aspect of civic participation and reflect the power dynamics within society that can influence policy decisions and the political landscape.