Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010): Supreme Court Cases Series | Academy 4 So...

In a 5-4 decision, the Court held that the First Amendment protects the right of free speech regardless of whether the speaker is a mere citizen or large corporation. The ruling decided that corporations and other groups can freely advocate during elections. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the majority opinion for the Court, stating that the McCain-Feingold Act was an act of censorship. He wrote that the government may not “impose restrictions on certain disfavored speakers.”

**Think Further Questions

1. Should corporations have the same rights as people? Why or why not?
2. Can you think of other ways Congress can limit the power money has over our politicians?
3. What is the danger of allowing foreign money in American elections?

**Contents:
00:02 - Case
01:12 - Decision
02:16 - Dissent
02:37 - Impact

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