Spoils System: Andrew Jackson offers government jobs as reward for donations
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Corporation/Individual donations begin increase
Naval Appropriations Bill prohibits officers/government employees from forcing donations
A Republican supporter contributes 25% of campaign finances for candidate, while wealthy Democrats donate up to $10,000
Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act extends protections from Naval Appropriations Bill onto all civil service employees
Tillman Act prohibits corporations and banks from contributing to federal campaigns
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Laws passed in this time period try to solve issues, but all lack provisions necessary to enforce the laws
Federal Corrupt Practices Act strengthens legislation and makes stricter disclosure rules
The Hatch Act gives Congress the right to regulate primary elections and set expenditure limits
Taft Hartley Act attempts to reduce influence of labor unions and corporations by blocking expenditures and contributions
FECA (Federal Elections Campaign Act) strengthens disclosure provisions, sets contribution limits, institutes public financing, establishes framework for segregated funds and PACs, but ultimately lacks enforcement
Buckley v. Valeo decision in the SCOTUS ends with ruling to uphold contribution limits but overturn limits on organizations that can contribute
This leads to a "money equals speech" argument and loopholes are found in the system.
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Corporations, unions, and rich people are able to give unlimited funds to committees as long as they are for "party building" activities as part of new loophole
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The contributions of soft money (donations which are not regulated by law) explode in use
Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act bans national political party committees from gathering or spending soft money contributions.
In case of Election Commission, SCOTUS rules that the BRCA does not infringe on first amendment rights
In Federal Election Commission v. Wisconsin Right to Life Inc., the SCOTUS rules that state ads cannot be banned anytime before an election as long as they do not urge support/defeat of a candidate
In Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, SCOTUS decides that government cannot restrict political spending by corporations and unions.
Reasoning: free speech is essential and allowed even if coming from a corporation.