Campaign Finance Timeline

By ilarkin
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    Campaign Financing

  • Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)

    Increased control on how much money could be spent on political campaigns.

  • Federal Election Commission created

    Created by the FECA

  • Buckley v. Valeo

    Parts of FECA ruled unconstitutional.

  • FECA amended

    Parties allowed to spend unlimited money to increase voter turnout, registration, etc.

  • Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (McCain-Feingold)

  • McConnell v. Federal Election Committee

    Supreme Court upholds McCain-Feingold

  • 527 Committees are top political contributors

    Spent $612 to advocate positions, but are not allowed to 'expressly advocate' specific candidates.

  • Federal Election Commission v. Wisconsin Right to Life, Inc.

    Supreme Court changes decision on McCain-Feingold

  • Davis v. FEC

    Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act upheld.

  • Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

    No limit on political contributions, as long as it isn't directly towards the candidate.

  • Speechnow v. FEC

    No limit on political contributions, as long as it isn't directly towards the candidate.

  • PACs/501c4's are the top supporters of the election

    Political Action Committee - can campaign for and against candidates. Their donors are allowed to reamin anonymous.