Hatch Act (1939, amended 1993)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (5 U.S.C. §§ 7321–7326)

2) Why It Was Done
The Hatch Act was passed to prevent federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity, ensuring that government functions are carried out in a nonpartisan, impartial manner.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
While the First Amendment protects political speech, Congress determined federal employees’ political activities could create conflicts of interest or coercion in the workplace. This Act carved out restrictions.