Question

In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled in Citizens United v. Federal Election

Commission that laws restricting the money corporations and unions are allowed
to spend on political messages are unconstitutional. Now, corporations and
unions are allowed to spend unlimited amounts on political messages.
Additionally, SuperPACS, which are organizations that accept unlimited donations
from corporations and individuals without requiring transparency about their
donors, have multiplied and become influential.
Corporations, unions, and special interests have spent hundreds of millions of
dollars to influence elections since 2010. Their independent expenditures (money
spent independently of candidates and parties but often in support of a particular
candidate or party) have grown substantially since Citizens United, making them
more influential than ever.
As a result, some say that voters have less control over the political process and
their grassroots campaign donations and votes matter less. As big contributions
grow, they worry that wealthy special interests will make the voice of voters
irrelevant no matter what they do. Critics have even accused Citizens United of
creating corruption in the political system.
Do you believe that the ruling in Citizens United v. FEC has had a positive,
negative, or no effect on the fairness of elections in the US?
Does learning about Citizens United v. FEC make you more likely to vote, less
likely to vote, or.have no effect on how likely you are to vote?

Answer 1

Money talks louder since Citizens United. Big corporations and shadowy groups flood elections, drowning out voter voices. Some cry foul, demanding reforms. Others see free speech triumph. Will you engage or feel powerless? The choice is yours.

While I can't tell you what to believe or how you should vote, I can provide you with information and resources to help you form your own informed opinion on the impact of Citizens United v. FEC and its potential influence on your voting behavior.

Impact on Fairness:

The ruling's impact on election fairness is a complex and debated topic, with arguments for both positive and negative effects:

Negative Arguments:

• Increased influence of money: The lack of spending limits for corporations and unions gives them significantly more resources to influence elections, potentially drowning out the voices of ordinary citizens and pushing policy towards the interests of wealthy donors.

• Rise of Super PACs and dark money: The anonymity of Super PAC donors raises concerns about hidden agendas and potential corruption, eroding public trust in the political process.

• Voter disenfranchisement: The perception of a system rigged by big money can discourage voter participation, particularly among those who feel their voices are irrelevant compared to the massive spending of corporations and special interests.

Positive Arguments:

• Free speech: Supporters of Citizens United view it as a victory for free speech, arguing that corporations and unions have the same First Amendment right to express their political views as individuals. Restricting their spending would unfairly limit their political participation.
• Greater focus on issues: Increased spending could lead to more substantive discussions of issues, as candidates compete for votes by presenting their platforms and engaging in policy debates.
• Potential for transparency: While Super PACs raise concerns, some argue that increased disclosure requirements for independent expenditures could actually lead to greater transparency in campaign finance overall.

Impact on Voting:

Learning about Citizens United may have different effects on individual voting behavior:

• Increased engagement: Some may feel more motivated to get involved in the political process, either by voting or working to reform campaign finance laws.

• Discouragement: Others may feel disillusioned and believe their vote is insignificant in the face of powerful special interests, leading to decreased voter turnout.

• No effect: Many may not be significantly influenced by this knowledge and maintain their existing voting habits.

Ultimately, the decision's impact on your voting behavior is a personal choice. Understanding the potential consequences of Citizens United and exploring various perspectives allows you to make an informed decision about how this issue affects your participation in the political process.

It's important to do your own research, consider diverse perspectives, and form your own conclusions based on the evidence and arguments presented.