 It amended the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, which regulates the financing of political campaigns.  It ended the influence of soft money in federal elections and it placed limits on the ability of corporations (including nonprofits) and labor unions to broadcast advertisements that used the candidates name Amend: make minor changes in order to make it fairer, more accurate, or more up-to-date.

 In 1979 political parties were allowed to spend as much as they wanted, as long as the money went to “party building activates”. *Soft Money*  Soft money was unregulated. There was no limit on amount that could be donated.  Corporations that wanted to influence an election could donate hundreds of thousands to a campaign  Money was sent to part committees, so they still receive public financing.

 BCRA's lead sponsors, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senator Russ Feingold (D-WI)  Signed into law by President George W. Bush on March 27, 2002

 The court has upheld laws restricting campaign contributions on two grounds: that unregulated contributions pose a serious threat to our democracy by creating the actuality or appearance of corruption, and that Congress can act to prevent circumvention of valid contribution limits.

 A group Citizens United wanted to air a film critical of Hillary Clinton and to advertise the film during television.  The Supreme Court reversed this decision, striking down those provisions of BCRA that prohibited corporations  Violated the free speech clause of first amendment.

 The BCRA had a "Stand by Your Ad" Provision, which requires candidates to make a statement that they have approved the communication  “Dark Money” – cash whose source need is not disclosed  In the 2010 Midterms 6.6million dark money was spent