Product Overview: OpenSecrets
Introduction
OpenSecrets is the nation’s premier research group dedicated to tracking money in U.S. politics and its impact on elections and public policy. This comprehensive platform is designed to provide transparency and insights into the financial forces shaping political decisions.
Key Features and Functionality
Data Classification and Access
OpenSecrets utilizes a hierarchical coding system to classify contributions by industry and interest groups. This system includes:
- 13 broad sectors: Such as business groups, labor, ideological/single-issues, and other categories.
- About 100 middle-level sectors: More detailed categories like agribusiness, communications and electronics, and health.
- Over 400 detailed industries: Specific categories such as crop production and processing, TV/movies/music, and health professionals.
Datasets and Tools
OpenSecrets offers extensive datasets and analytical tools, including:
- State and Federal Datasets: Access to data on political contributions, expenditures, personal financial disclosures, candidate lists, and lobbying activities, spanning over 30 years.
- Custom Data Sets: Created based on popular requests, these datasets cover a wide variety of topics and are available under Creative Commons licenses.
- Ballot Measures Analysis: Information on who is behind groups spending to support or oppose ballot measures.
- Dark Money Basics: Tools and data to understand and analyze dark money in politics.
Reporting and Analysis
The platform provides in-depth reports and analyses on various money-and-politics subjects, including:
- Campaign Contributions: Detailed analysis by gender, industry, and other criteria.
- Federal Lobbying: Insights into lobbying activities and their impact.
- State-Level Data: Access to state-level data, which is being integrated into the main platform.
Original Reporting and News
OpenSecrets features original reporting that uncovers the financial forces behind political decisions, offering stories that shape policy and governance.
Collaboration and Support
The platform offers several ways to engage and collaborate:
- Custom Data Solutions: Providing summary data, raw data, or specialized research for business or research needs.
- Media Partnerships: Collaboration with newsrooms for investigative pieces and data-driven journalism.
- Research Support: Specialized tools and support for scholars, researchers, and journalists.
- Specialized Training: Through OpenSecrets Academy, offering online resources and tailored training programs.
Integrated Data and New Tools
Following a merger with other money-in-politics data nonprofits, OpenSecrets now offers integrated datasets that encompass wide-ranging information in one easily accessible location. New tools enable users to track and analyze donors, lobbyists, and other influential forces across federal and state levels.
Mission and Impact
OpenSecrets is committed to exposing the role of money in politics to build transparency and trust. By providing a one-stop shop for granular campaign finance data, the platform helps foster well-informed citizens and supports academics in fields such as election law and political science.