Citizens United v. FEC

Definition

Citizens United v. FEC is a landmark Supreme Court case from 2010 that ruled that corporations and unions can spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns, under the First Amendment's free speech protections. This decision fundamentally changed the landscape of campaign finance in the United States by allowing independent expenditures by organizations, leading to increased influence of money in politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case stemmed from a dispute over whether Citizens United could air a film critical of Hillary Clinton during the 2008 presidential campaign, which was deemed an electioneering communication by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
2. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that government restrictions on independent expenditures for political communications violated the First Amendment.
3. This decision led to the rise of Super PACs, which are able to accept unlimited contributions and spend independently to influence elections.
4. Citizens United v. FEC has been controversial, with critics arguing it allows wealthy individuals and corporations to have disproportionate influence over elections and policy-making.
5. Supporters argue that the ruling protects free speech rights and allows for more robust political debate through increased funding for advocacy.

Review Questions

• How did the ruling in Citizens United v. FEC affect the relationship between money and political campaigns in the U.S.?
  • The ruling in Citizens United v. FEC significantly altered the relationship between money and political campaigns by allowing corporations and unions to spend unlimited funds on political communications. This shift has led to an increase in independent expenditures, where outside groups can influence elections without directly coordinating with candidates. As a result, candidates often rely more on fundraising from wealthy donors and organizations, which can skew political representation towards those with greater financial resources.
• Evaluate the implications of Citizens United v. FEC on campaign finance laws and future elections.
  • The implications of Citizens United v. FEC on campaign finance laws are profound, as it has effectively overturned many existing regulations designed to limit corporate influence in politics. The emergence of Super PACs has created a new landscape where vast sums of money can flow into elections, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. As a result, future elections may be increasingly characterized by major funding from a small number of sources, potentially undermining the principle of equal representation in democracy.
• Analyze how Citizens United v. FEC illustrates the tension between free speech and political equality within American democracy.
  • Citizens United v. FEC exemplifies the ongoing tension between free speech and political equality in American democracy by highlighting how financial resources can amplify certain voices while marginalizing others. The Supreme Court's decision emphasizes free speech rights for corporations and unions, allowing them significant power to influence political outcomes through financial means. However, this raises concerns about political equality, as those without access to similar resources may struggle to compete in shaping public discourse and policy. This tension continues to provoke debate about how best to balance these competing values in a democratic society.

Related terms

Super PACs:

Political action committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money from corporations, unions, and individuals to advocate for or against political candidates.

First Amendment:

The amendment to the U.S. Constitution that protects freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition. It is a critical foundation for the Citizens United decision.

Political Action Committee (PAC): An organization that collects and distributes contributions to political campaigns, often representing a specific interest group or industry.