Government affairs

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) allowed unlimited election spending by individuals and corporations, something that has dramatically reshaped the political landscape of campaign finances in the United States. However, other landmark campaign finance cases have come along since then.

McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission (2014), to name one, repealed limits on the aggregate amount an individual can contribute. For example, during the 2013-2014 cycle, individuals could donate a total of $123,000 to candidates, national party committees and certain political committees, including a $48,600 limit toward candidates.

Under the former aggregate limit of $48,600, individuals could only max out contributions with 18 federal candidates per cycle—now, it’s unlimited. The ruling has created a fear that those who favor limits set a precedent for doing away with all campaign contribution limits.