Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission

Definition

Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission is a landmark 2010 Supreme Court ruling which held that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts in candidate elections cannot be limited under the First Amendment. The decision significantly impacted the role of interest groups in elections by allowing them to spend unlimited sums on political campaigns.

Related terms

Super PACs: Political action committees that may raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions, associations, and individuals to finance independent expenditures but are not permitted to coordinate directly with parties or candidates.

Campaign Finance: Refers to the fundraising and spending activities carried out by candidates and organizations for the purpose of influencing electoral outcomes.

First Amendment: Part of the Bill of Rights that protects freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition the government for a redress of grievances