Which term describes political activity by groups that support a candidate without coordinating with the candidate?

• A. Shadow campaign
• B. Grassroots organizing
• C. Public relations campaign
• D. Get-out-the-vote drive

Answer: (A)

Outside groups that support a candidate but do not coordinate with the candidate’s campaign engage in what’s known as a shadow campaign. This idea captures the way independent groups can run ads, organize events, and mobilize voters to help the candidate without sharing messaging or strategy with the official campaign. The key is independence from direct campaign coordination while still aiming to influence the election outcome.

Grassroots organizing is usually bottom-up and can be connected to the campaign, making coordination possible or implied. A public relations campaign centers on shaping the candidate’s image and is typically part of the candidate’s own strategy. A get-out-the-vote drive focuses on mobilizing supporters to vote and is usually run by the campaign or its allies. Therefore, the best fit is shadow campaign.