Campaign Finance Reform

By MichaelangeloH

  • George Washington - 1757

    In 1757, George Washington was campaigning as a candidate for the Virginia House of Burgesses and happened to buy punch and hard cider for his friends. However, this action during an election was controversial. As a result, the state legislature passed a law stating prohibiting candidates from rewarding voters any incentive or benefits for their vote.

  • Naval Appropriation Bill

    In 1867, Congress enacts the Naval Appropriations Bill. This is the first attempt by the Federal Government to regulate campaign financing. This specific piece of legislation bans officers and employees of the government from soliciting donations from Naval yard workers.

  • The Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act

    In 1883, the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act was implemented. The act worked to make it illegal for government officials to solicit contributions from civil service works. This made sure that any employment decisions are based on merit.

  • The Tillman Act

    In 1907, the Tilman Act was a part of the progressive era and the attempt to end corruption. It banned corporations and national banks from donating to congressional and presidential candidates. However, this law did have loopholes and was just the first attempt at regulating elections.

  • Federal Corrupt Practices Act

    In 1910, the Federal Corrupt Practices Act becomes law. This legislation requires that house candidates disclose campaign spending and the source for all contributions. This was then expanded to senate candidates. This bill was eventually ruled constitutional in 1921.

  • Newberry v. United States

    In 1921, the Supreme Court of the United States heard the case Newberry v. United States. They ruled in favor of Newberry and agreed to strike down the Federal Corrupt Practices Act of 1910. The reasoning behind their decision is that the U.S. Constitution does not grant Congress the specific authority to regulate over political parties or the federal primaries.

  • Public Utilities Holding Act

    In 1935, Congress passed the Public Utilities Holding Act. The bill banned public utility companies from donating to federal campaigns. Also, the bill offered protection to consumers from shady practices such as raising rates. However, the lobbying power these companies had finally worked and the law was repealed in 2006.

  • Smith Connelly Act

    In 1943, Smith Connelly Act was enacted. The bill focused on banning labor unions from contributing to federal elections. In retaliation, the Congress of Industrial Organizations created Political Action Committees. These entities were unbound by the regulations in place and they could spend an unlimited amount of money.

  • The Federal Election Campaign Act

    In 1971, Congress passed the Federal Election Campaign Act. The legislation included more specific regulatory measures than previous ones. A few of these measures include a spending cap on television of 10 cents person.

  • Federal Election Campaign Act Refined

    In the aftermath of Watergate, public distrust is an all time high and as a result stricter restrictions are enacted. In 1974, Congress amended the Federal Election Campaign Act to establish the Federal Election Commission to enforce the laws, establish individual contribution limits, spending caps, etc.

  • Buckley v Valeo

    In 1976, Senator Buckley challenged the constitutionality of the Federal Election Campaign Act. The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of Senator Buckley and struck down spending limits on candidates and individuals or groups. Rules on contributions from individuals, disclosure, and public financing remain in place. Congress then amended the legislation to comply with the ruling.

  • The Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act

    In 2002, the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act was passed. The bill's intention was to ban "soft money" unlimited contributions that are made to parties and national party committees. Also, the legislation was able to ban 30 days away from primaries and 60 days away from general elections.

  • McConnell v. The Federal Election Commission

    In 2003, the Supreme Court of the United States decides to uphold the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act. They believed that the ban on unlimited contributions did not violate free speech Although, they ruled in favor, they had concerns that the ruling would not end large sums of money flowing in campaigns.

  • Election Commission v. Wisconsin Right to Life

    In 2007, the Supreme Court of the United States hears Election Commission V. Wisconsin Right to Life. It was decided that banning advertisements paid by corporations or unions in a few weeks of proximity to an election is unconstitutional. The majority opinion claimed that this ban infringed on their First Amendment rights

  • Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

    In 2010, the Supreme Court heard the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission case. They ruled that the government is not legally able to restrict the spending of corporations, unions, or other groups for political campaigns. This decision reversed decades of campaign finance laws and efforts. SuperPACs were then created out of this ruling.

  • McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission

    In 2014, the Supreme Court hears the case of McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission. They rule to overturn limits on individuals donating to federal campaigns and parties. The ruling expands upon Citizens United V. FEC and the consequences of it are massive given the history of campaign finance reform.