Citizens United v. FEC Overview

The Supreme Court's case, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, became a pivotal event in political history, markedly altering the landscape of American electoral finance. Originating from a conflict over a politically-charged film critical of Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign, the legal battle highlighted issues of free speech pitted against campaign finance regulations.

A 5-4 Supreme Court decision favored Citizens United, asserting that corporations and outside groups should have the right to spend unlimited funds on elections, grounded in the First Amendment rights to free speech. Justice Anthony Kennedy, penned the majority opinion, believing that restrictions on "independent political spending" by corporations and associations infringed upon constitutional freedoms. The dissent argued these expenditures might corrupt the political system.

This contentious ruling opened the floodgates for unprecedented levels of election spending by enabling the formation of so-called super PACs (Political Action Committees), capable of raising unlimited sums from corporations, individuals, and unions for spending on electioneering communications, provided these expenditures were not directly coordinated with the candidates' campaigns.

PACs were already a fixture in American politics, with the conventional PACs contributing directly to campaigns under strict fiscal caps. But the creation of super PACs set a new precedent by removing limits on indirect campaign spending for or against candidates, shaping candidate fortunes enormously.

The infusion of substantial sums through super PACs led to criticisms of fostering an electoral environment where transparency diminished and wealthy voices invariably overshadowed those of the average voter. Adding intricacy, these super PACs often received funds from opaque sources—dark money—which posed specific challenges to voter information accuracy and democratic discourse.

In the aftermath, legal and scholarly debate continued on how best to reconcile the freedom of speech with the integrity of political processes, igniting a discourse over potential reforms including increased disclosure laws or public financing of campaigns as possible countermeasures to the disproportionate influence of wealth in politics. These discussions churn grappling with core constitutional values and modern democratic principles in an era shaped significantly by Citizens United.

Impact of Citizens United on U.S. Elections

The ramifications of the Citizens United decision are vast and multifaceted, significantly reshaping the financial dynamics of U.S. elections. Super PACs, distinctive due to their ability to engage in unlimited political spending (as long as it is not directly coordinated with the candidates themselves), have catalyzed a notable shift in campaign funding strategies. These entities can receive funds from virtually any source, magnifying the impact of wealthy individuals, corporations, and other groups. The implications of this are profound, as campaigns frequently become focused on the messages shaped by the wealthiest contributors, potentially skewing political discourse and priorities.

Adding another layer to this convoluted financial web is the prevalence of dark money. Unlike traditional PACs or super PACs, which are at least partially regulated by disclosure rules, dark money groups (often organized as nonprofits under sections 501(c)(4) or 501(c)(6) of the tax code) do not need to disclose their donors. This opacity allows for anonymous contributions, obscuring the direct lines of influence that fund advertisements and other campaign activities. The influx of dark money since Citizens United has prompted concerns about the transparency of campaign financing and its susceptibility to undisclosed, potentially nefarious influences.

This dramatic escalation in political spending following Citizens United engenders a host of challenges, primarily revolving around questions of fairness and representation. When vast sums dictate the loudest voices in the electoral process, the foundational principle of "one person, one vote" is undermined. This concentration of power among a small segment of the affluent and corporate sectors cultivates a political environment where the interests of the few potentially outweigh those of the many.

Amid these intricacies, the debate on how to realign the scales of political equity remains vigorous. Advocates for campaign finance reform argue for strategies such as enhanced disclosure requirements, which would at least clarify who is financing political messages, and publicly funded elections aimed at amplifying the voices of ordinary voters rather than those of a wealthy elite. These pursuits to mend the gaps in democratic engagement reveal a collective yearning for a system that resonates more genuinely with foundational constitutional ideals—a system where elections are forums for authentic civic engagement and representative democracy.

Campaign Finance Reform Proposals

Amid the controversies spurred by the Citizens United ruling, various reform proposals have emerged, seeking to address the intricacies and potential distortions introduced into the electoral system. Public financing of elections, the DISCLOSE Act, and structural reforms to the Federal Election Commission (FEC) stand out as notable legislative measures focused on fostering a landscape characterized by transparency and equality.

Public financing of elections is one significant response endeavoring to fortify grassroots involvement in politics. By matching small-dollar contributions with public funds, this model aims to:

• Motivate everyday citizens to engage in the democratic process, thereby diluting the overwhelming influence of big money.
• Promote broader participation from a diverse array of candidates.
• Restore the principle where the strength of ideas, not the depth of one's coffers, dictates the volume of one's electoral voice.

Such programs have already been implemented in various configurations at local and state levels, reflecting a patchwork of successes and ongoing trials aimed at refining the approach.

Another key proposal is the Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections (DISCLOSE) Act. This legislative effort seeks to increase transparency in federal elections through stringent disclosure requirements for corporations, labor unions, and other groups that spend on political campaigns. By mandating these entities to reveal the sources of their funding, the Act intends to peel back layers of anonymity that currently shield funders from public scrutiny. This transparency is anticipated to help voters make more informed decisions, empowering them to evaluate the motivations behind political advertisements and messaging.

Strengthening the functionality and enforcing powers of the FEC is underscored as a critical avenue for campaign finance reform. Structural reforms proposed for the FEC include:

1. Restructuring its decision-making processes to prevent deadlocks.
2. Enhancing its enforcement capabilities.

These changes are designed to revitalize the Commission's role as an overseer of election expenditures, ensuring that violations of finance regulations are promptly and effectively addressed.

Public support for revising the campaign finance landscape is substantial. Opinion polls continually reflect a broad consensus among Americans who express concern over the undue influence of money in politics.¹ This discontent spans the political spectrum, suggesting a rare common ground in an otherwise polarized political environment. Most citizens advocate for reducing the sway of special interests and perceive the current system as disproportionately favoring the wealthy and well-connected at the expense of ordinary voters.²

The dialogue surrounding these reforms is vigorous and ongoing. Proponents believe that enacting these measures could represent significant steps forward in realigning U.S. electoral practices with the foundational values enshrined in the Constitution, ensuring that America's government remains of the people, by the people, and for the people.

1. Confessore N, Thee-Brenan M. Poll shows Americans favor an overhaul of campaign financing. New York Times. June 2, 2015.
2. Pew Research Center. Most Americans want to limit campaign spending, say big donors have greater political influence. May 8, 2018.