When did political contributions start in the US?

Answer 1

Political contributions in the United States began in the late 19th century, particularly with the rise of political parties and electoral campaigns. The first significant laws regulating campaign financing emerged in the early 20th century, notably with the Tillman Act of 1907, which prohibited corporate contributions to federal candidates. Over the years, various reforms and legal rulings, such as the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 and the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision in 2010, have shaped the landscape of political contributions in the U.S.