Citizens United v. FEC
1
The 2012 election is on track to be the most expensive in history
Presidential Campaigns
Super PACS
Not Reported
Ads Spending
Facts of the Case
Effect On Overall Campaign Finance
What does this mean for campaigns today:
MORE MONEY!
"More money means more information" -James Bopp (Legal advisor to Citizens United)
2000, 2004, 2008 Elections
Corporations and unions are now able to use their treasuries to pay for independent expenditures for the first time.
Outside interest groups
More obvious implications
LESS OBVIOUS IMPLICATIONS
- do constituents concerns matter?
- corporations increased influence in politics
- political integrity? Who does it represent now?
- more negative advertising
- increase in door to door canvassing
- more moderates in congress?
Major Players
Citizens United
- 1988
- conservative non profit
- "citizen control"
- "assert American values of limited government, freedom of enterprise, strong families, and national sovereignty and security."
- Educational Projects, TV Advertisements, Documentaries
Impact on Society
Citizens United v. FEC
Procedural History
Citizens United Sought Declaratory and Injunctive Relief in December 2007
Argued: March 24, 2009 at the United States District Court for the District of Columbia
Reargued: September 9, 2009 at the United States Supreme Court
Decided: January 1, 2010
Ruling
5-4 Decision
Legal Implications
Federal Election Commission v. Wisconsin Right to Life, Inc.
Austin v. Michigan Commission Chamber of Commerce
McConnell v. Federal Election Commission
2012 Presidential Election
A number of interest groups not aligned with the candidates are not disclosing the identities of their donors to the FEC.
Individuals may give candidates up to $2,500 per election.
National Parties
Individuals may give national parties up to $30, 800 per calendar year.
Individuals and organizations can give unlimited amounts to Super PACS.
What are Super PACS?
"Super" political action committees can raise unlimited money from corporations, labor unions and individuals. They can spend that money supporting and opposing political candidates.