What are aggregate contribution limits in federal campaign finance?

In the context of federal campaign finance, aggregate contribution limits were federal regulations that restricted the total amount of money an individual could contribute to all federal candidates, political party committees, and noncandidate political action committees (PACs) combined during a two-year election cycle.12

These limits were distinct from "base limits," which restrict the amount an individual can contribute to a single candidate or committee. While base limits remain in effect, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down aggregate limits in the 2014 case McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission.13

The Court ruled that these aggregate caps violated the First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and freedom of association. Prior to this ruling, individuals were subject to specific biennial caps—for example, during the 2011–12 cycle, the limits were $46,200 to all candidates and $70,800 to all party committees and noncandidate PACs. Proponents of campaign finance reform argued that the removal of these limits could increase the influence of large donors in American politics, while supporters viewed the decision as a victory for free expression.12