Federal Election Commission is an independent regulatory agency of the United States government. The commission enforces the Federal Election Campaign Act, which governs campaign financing in connection with elections to federal offices. The act includes requirements to disclose campaign contributions and expenses, restrictions on the amounts a person or group may contribute to a candidate, and prohibitions on the use of corporation and labor union funds to influence federal elections. The commission also administers the public financing of presidential campaigns and national nominating conventions. It has the power to conduct investigations and audits of campaign funds. The agency serves as a national clearinghouse for information and research about the administration of elections.
The commission was established by Congress in 1974. It has six members who are appointed by the President, subject to the approval of the Senate. No more than three members may belong to the same political party.
