ABSTRACT
In the 1970s, the laws regulating federal election campaign financing in the United States underwent dramatic changes. In regard to presidential campaigns, enactments including public funding, contribution and expenditure limits, and disclosure requirements were intended to minimize opportunities for undue financial influence on officeholders and to make the election process more open and competitive. Contribution and expenditure limits also were enacted, although the Supreme Court subsequently ruled that spending limits are permissible only in publicly financed campaigns. Interposed between the candidates and potential voters is the government, acting through campaign finance and political broadcast regulations intended to ensure that candidates compete, as much as possible, on a fair and equitable basis. The Federal Election Campaign Act requires full disclosure of moneys, limits individual contributions to $1,000 for presidential candidates accepting matching funds, and mandates a limit on expenditures for both the nomination contests and the general election.
