Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to the authority of Congress and the States to regulate contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections and to enact public financing systems for political campaigns.
Impact
If ratified, this amendment would represent a significant shift in the current landscape of campaign finance law. It would allow for the implementation of public financing systems for political campaigns, aimed at reducing the influence of private wealth in electoral choices. By providing increased public funding to offset campaign spending, the resolution seeks to democratize access to political funding and ensure that candidates can compete without disproportionately favoring those with greater financial resources. The amendment emphasizes viewpoint neutrality in the regulation of campaign contributions, which implies a focus on fairness in how funds are aggregated and spent.
Summary
HJR13 proposes a constitutional amendment that grants Congress and the States the authority to regulate contributions and expenditures intended to influence elections. The resolution outlines several key provisions aimed at creating a framework for establishing limitations on campaign finance, particularly focusing on the regulation of money spent by candidates and others during elections. This aims to uphold the integrity of electoral processes and ensure fairness in campaign funding, effectively giving governments at both levels the power to legislate on these matters.
Contention
Notably, one point of contention surrounding HJR13 revolves around the tension between free speech rights and the regulation of money in politics. Critics may argue that regulating financial contributions to political campaigns could infringe upon First Amendment rights, particularly when it relates to the free flow of ideas and political speech. Furthermore, the distinction made between natural persons and corporations may also evoke debate regarding the rights of artificial entities to engage in political discourse through financial means. This proposed amendment is likely to ignite discussions about the extent of government authority in regulating campaign finance and the implications for both election integrity and representative democracy.
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to set limits on Federal campaign contributions and spending, prohibit corporate spending in the political process, require Congress to develop a system of public campaign financing for all Federal candidates who qualify for the ballot, and allow the States to set reasonable limits on campaign contributions and spending in State and local elections, and for other purposes.
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures intended to affect elections.
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States providing that the rights extended by the Constitution are the rights of natural persons only.
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to clarify the authority of Congress and the States to regulate corporations, limited liability companies, and other corporate entities established by the laws of any State, the United States, or any foreign state.
A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States relative to limiting the number of terms that a Member of Congress may serve.
Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States to prohibit voting in Federal, State, or local elections by individuals who are not citizens of the United States.