What is the function of the Federal Election Commission?

The Federal Election Commission (FEC) plays a critical role in enforcing campaign finance laws, which regulate the raising and spending of money in federal elections. Established in 1974, the FEC administers and enforces compliance with the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA). This includes overseeing the disclosure of campaign finance information, ensuring that candidates and political committees report their contributions and expenditures accurately, and regulating the limits and sources of campaign contributions.

The agency's primary goal is to promote transparency and fairness in the electoral process, preventing corruption and promoting public confidence in government. By ensuring that political donations are reported and regulated, the FEC helps maintain an equal playing field in elections, allowing voters to make informed decisions based on how campaigns are financed.

In contrast, collecting taxes from political donations is not within the FEC's scope; tax collection is generally under the purview of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The FEC also does not have authority over the general election process or voter registration, as those functions are largely managed by individual states. Each state establishes its own systems for managing elections and voter registration, within the broader framework of federal law.