The Hatch Act is a United States federal law enacted in 1939 that restricts the political activities of federal employees, as well as some state, D.C., and local government employees whose positions are connected to federally funded programs. Its main goals are to ensure that federal programs are administered in a nonpartisan manner, protect federal employees from political coercion at work, and guarantee that employment decisions are made based on merit rather than political affiliation

. Key provisions of the Hatch Act include:

• Prohibiting federal employees from running for public office in partisan elections.
• Forbidding the use of official authority or influence to interfere with elections.
• Banning solicitation or discouragement of political activity among people who have business with the employee's office.
• Prohibiting solicitation or acceptance of political contributions for partisan candidates or parties.
• Restricting political activities while on duty, in federal buildings, wearing official uniforms, or using government vehicles.
• Preventing membership in political organizations that advocate overthrowing the constitutional government

The Act has been amended over time, notably in 1993, to allow federal employees to engage in some partisan political activities during off-duty hours, such as contacting elected officials or donating to campaigns, while still restricting activities that could affect their official duties

. Enforcement of the Hatch Act is carried out by the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Special Counsel (OSC)

. In summary, the Hatch Act serves to maintain a politically neutral federal workforce and prevent the misuse of government resources or influence in political campaigns