Number: RS20854
Title: CAMPAIGN FINANCE REFORM AND INCENTIVES TO VOLUNTARILY LIMIT CANDIDATE SPENDING FROM PERSONAL FUNDS: CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES RAISED BY PUBLIC SUBSIDIES AND VARIABLE CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
Authors: L. Paige Whitaker, American Law Division 
Abstract: The Supreme Court in Buckley v. Valeo ruled that spending limits, including the amount a candidate can spend on his or her own campaign from personal funds are unconstitutional. The Court did, however, uphold a system of spending limits, on the condition that they are voluntarily accepted in exchange for some form of public financing. As a result of these rulings, the concept of various incentives toward voluntary compliance with a personal funds expenditure limit has been developed. This report discusses some constitutional issues raised by two such incentives: public subsidies and variable contribution limits.
Pages: 5
Date: Updated March 22, 2001