Glossary Definition:

The Hatch Act of 1939 (and subsequent amendments): Banned political activity by federal employees not already covered by the civil service law and banned the solicitation of political donations from all government employees. The Act also limited how much an individual employee could contribute to each party committee or federal candidate, and placed an aggregate limit on the amount an individual could give to parties and candidates. The law limited individual contribution to $5, 000 per year per federal candidate and also applied campaign finance regulations to primary as well as general elections.

Statutes and/or Regulations:

Political participation: 5 U.S.C. § 7321

Definitions: 5 U.S.C. § 7322

Political activity authorized; prohibitions: 5 U.S.C. § 7323

Political activities on duty; prohibition: 5 U.S.C. § 7324

Political activity permitted; employees residing in certain municipalities: 5 U.S.C. § 7325

Penalties: 5 U.S.C. § 7326