Before the Act there were few rules governing the conduct of elected officials, campaigns, and lobbyists. Many considered politics to be similar to the “wild west,” where lobbyists could give gifts to lawmakers without restriction, and campaign contributions could be made in cash without disclosing the source. There was little transparency, and trust in government was at an all-time low.

Then, in the early 1970s, the Watergate scandal occurred in the United States that ultimately led to the resignation of the president. In this volatile political environment, a coalition of reformers presented a statewide ballot initiative to California voters that they claimed would “put an end to corruption in politics.” The initiative was approved by more than 70 percent of California voters in 1974, forming the Act and the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) to enforce it.

Since then, the Act has been amended 100+ times by the voters and the Legislature. However, U.S. Supreme Court decisions such as Citizens United vs. FEC have weakened state and federal campaign finance laws, particularly limits on independent expenditures. What remains of the Act, specifically around the basic requirement to disclose donations and expenditures, are the few tools the People have left to hold their elected officials accountable and to inform themselves on who is funding campaigns.