The Act is a United States federal law whose main provision prohibits employees in the executive branch of the federal government, except the president and vice president, from engaging in some forms of political activity. The laws purpose is to maintain a federal workforce free from coercion or undue political influence. For instance, a federal employee cannot use their official authority or influence to interfere with or affect the result of an election. Similarly, they are restricted from engaging in political activity while on duty, in a government office, wearing an official uniform, or using a government vehicle.
This legislation is critical to ensuring the impartiality and integrity of the federal government. It safeguards against the potential for political corruption and promotes public trust by preventing federal employees from using their positions for partisan advantage. Historically, it arose from concerns about the use of federal employees in political campaigns, particularly during the New Deal era. The law provides a framework to balance employees rights to participate in the political process with the need to maintain a non-partisan civil service.
