Final answer:
Citizens United is a Supreme Court case that allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money on political advertising. However, this decision has been criticized for its impact on the government's ability to limit corporate power. Critics argue that it gives corporations disproportionate influence in politics and undermines the voices of ordinary citizens.
Step-by-step explanation:
Citizens United is a landmark Supreme Court case in US history that involves campaign finance and the First Amendment. It allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money on political advertising, as long as it was done independently from a candidate's campaign. However, this decision has been heavily criticized for its impact on the government's ability to limit the effects of corporate power.
Many argue that the unlimited funding from corporations allows them to have disproportionate influence in politics and undermines the voices of ordinary citizens. Critics claim that it gives corporations the power to shape policy and legislation in their favor.
For example, opponents argue that the ruling has resulted in the rise of Super PACs (Political Action Committees) which can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support or oppose candidates. These Super PACs can be funded by corporations, wealthy individuals, and special interest groups, potentially giving them an outsized role in the political process.
Learn more about Citizens United and its impact on corporate power