U.S. Supreme Court strikes down overall federal political contribution limits

The Supreme Court has struck down a decades-old cap on the total amount any individual can contribute to federal candidates in a two-year election cycle. The 5-to-4 decision echoed Citizens United, the 2010 decision that struck down limits on independent campaign spending by corporations and unions.

The ruling concerned only contributions from individuals. Federal law continues to ban direct contributions by corporations and unions, though they remain free to spend unlimited sums through "super PACs" and similar vehicles. The ruling does not impact state imposed contribution limits.