Hatch Act of 1939
The Hatch Act of 1939, signed in law on August 2, 1939, was a significant piece of legislation aimed at limiting the political activities of federal employees, as well as those involved in state and local governments that received federal funding. The Act was intended to reduce the influence of federal employees on political campaigns, curb political corruption, and ensure that government workers did not engage in partisan political activity while performing their duties.
Prior to the New Deal, patronage — the practice of awarding government jobs based on political loyalty rather than merit — was common. This practice was rooted in the spoils system dating back to the Jacksonian Era. Under patronage, federal jobs were often distributed in exchange for political support. As a result, political parties were able to reward loyalists with government positions, which sometimes led to abuses of power, bribery, and favoritism.
During the 1930s, political activities by federal employees came under increasing scrutiny, especially in light of the growing power of federal agencies during the New Deal. Critics were concerned that employees working for government agencies might engage in partisan activities, such as working on political campaigns, using government resources to support political causes, or influencing elections through their positions of power. Scandals, allegations of abuses, and partisan manipulation of the New Deal programs contributed to a rising concern about the integrity of the federal bureaucracy and the potential for political interference.
The Hatch Act of 1939 was signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 2, 1939. The Hatch Act prohibited federal employees from using their government positions to engage in political campaigns. They could not participate in political campaigns or run for public office while employed by the federal government, use government resources or positions for partisan purposes, or directly or indirectly coerce other federal employees to contribute to political campaigns. The Act also applied to state and local employees who were involved in administering federal programs, effectively barring them from participating in political campaigns in certain ways.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt was a staunch advocate of rooting out political corruption, both in terms of party politics and the influence of big business on government. He believed that government should serve the public interest, not political or corporate interests. His New Deal reforms were a significant part of his broader strategy to address systemic corruption, promote transparency, and restore trust in government institutions. Roosevelt’s views on political corruption shaped his approach to governance and were instrumental in driving his political agenda throughout his presidency.
President Roosevelt statement on transparency, “we must build an administration of honesty and integrity to the people of this great nation. Corruption feeds on secrecy and dark corners. It is only through the light of scrutiny and public responsibility that we can root it out.”
FDR’s statement on economic rights: “We have come to a clear realization of the fact that true individual freedom cannot exist without economic security and independence. Government must be the servant of the people, not the tool of economic forces that work only for their own profit.” This vision of economic security was intended to reduce the economic corruption and inequality that he believed perpetuated political corruption by making citizens less reliant on political favors.
The Hatch Act was widely supported as an essential measure to protect the integrity of the federal workforce and ensure that government jobs were not used for political patronage or as a means of influencing elections.