Title: FEC Watch

Source/Sponsoring Agency: Center For Responsive Politics

URL: http://www.fecwatch.org/

Date Checked: 9/25/2007      Status: Active

Date Annotated: 9/25/2007

Topics: Administrative Law; Politics

Other keywords: Campaign Finance; Elections; United States. Federal Election Commission

Contents: FEC Watch, a project of the Center for Responsive Politics, seeks “to increase enforcement of the nation’s campaign finance, lobbying, and ethics laws” by monitoring the Federal Election Commission (FEC), as well as other government entities. In addition to educating the public, FEC Watch files complaints, petitions for rulemaking and comments on rulemaking, and submits amicus briefs in relevant cases. The website is organized into two main tabs: "The FEC" and "The Law." Under "The FEC" tab, users can learn about the agency, including its history, role, divisions, and its commissioners. As well, the site explains the enforcement, rulemaking, and litigation functions of the FEC. Under "The Law" tab, users will find explanation of and access to the various federal election laws. In addition to PDF versions of the McCain-Feingold Act and various court opinions, the site offers details of regulations and advisory opinions. Rulemakings are organized into tables that are categorized as active, inactive, or completed. Also, the site provides an archive of FEC advisory opinions for the years 2002-2004. Be sure to read the thorough discussion of the FEC advisory opinion process.

Author of Annotation: M. Morrison