Many important laws keep the United States government running as smoothly as possible. Sometimes, new laws have to be made to help curb corruption from behind the federal doors. This is why the Hatch Act is important. 

Formally known as the An Act to Prevent Pernicious Political Activities, the Hatch Act of 1939 is a federal law in the United States that limits certain political activities of federal employees, including some state, federal, and local government employees working in connection with federally funded programs.  

The definition of the Hatch Act is fairly simple. The act is a “measure enacted by the U.S. Congress, aimed at eliminating corrupt practices in national elections,” (via Britannica). 

This law puts the brakes on any government worker (except the top two) trying to control voters with threats or bribes, if they’re using federal funds. Political campaigns also operate under a restrictive framework imposed by the act.

After widespread allegations that Democratic Party politicians used employees of the WPA during the congressional elections of 1938. Much of the criticism came from how politicians were trying to bribe politicians in swing states. 

To help combat the devastating effects of the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched the WPA program to tackle two huge problems at once: unemployment and crumbling infrastructure. 

You might be wondering, “What is the purpose of the Hatch Act?” There are two main purposes of this act. One of the purposes is to ensure a neutral and professional federal workforce that is free from partisan political influence or coercion.

There are several reasons why the Hatch Act is important for the U.S. Some of the reasons include maintaining a neutral government workforce, preventing abuse of power, and balancing public service and political participation.  

Since its passing in 1939, the act has undergone several amendments and clarifications to reflect the changing political landscape and social norms. Several of the most important amendments to the act allowed employees to register and vote for candidates, and solicit and distribute political material outside of work. 

There are many examples of violations of the act. One notable case during President Barack Obama’s administration was the then Health and Human Services Secretary Sebelius Kathleen Sebelius’s politically charged remarks at the Human Rights Campaign Gala in 2012. 

There are many cases of federal employees violating the Hatch Act, with many violations from recent administrations still undergoing investigations. From untimely Tweets to news statements, the act can be violated quite easily these days. A recent case, in November 2022, shows how easily the act can be violated.

Many New Deal programs that helped shape American life and pull the country out of the Great Depression remain active today. Some programs and laws that exist today are the Social Security Administration, unemployment insurance, and the National Labor Relations Act.