Why You Can Buy The Next President | Citizens United v. FEC

In 2007, Citizens United, a conservative nonprofit, sought to release a documentary critical of Hillary Clinton during the 2008 Democratic primaries. This was challenged under the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BICRA), which restricted corporate spending on political campaigns. After losing in District Court, Citizens United appealed to the Supreme Court. In 2010, the Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Citizens United, citing the First Amendment's Free Speech Clause, allowing corporations and unions to spend unlimited money on political campaigns, as long as it was independent of candidates. This decision sparked significant debate and protests, with dissenting opinions calling for constitutional amendments to limit money in politics.

What impact did the Citizens United ruling have on political campaign financing?

How did Justice John Paul Stevens respond to the Supreme Court's ruling?

What actions have been taken by organizations in response to the Citizens United decision?