The Supreme Court case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) is of significant importance when it comes to the regulation of speech in the United States. This landmark decision made it possible for corporations to legally make unlimited independent expenditures in support or opposition of political campaigns. It was argued that corporations should have the same freedom of speech as individuals in a democracy.
What does this mean for business today? Essentially, it has opened the door for businesses to become more involved in political processes, including campaign financing. It is now easier for companies to use their resources to express political opinions on certain issues even if those opinions are unpopular. This is an increasingly common practice, with organizations such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft donating millions of dollars during the 2016 elections.
What Are the Implications?
The implications of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) are far-reaching and could result in a major shift in how businesses are able to engage in political activities and influence government decisions. Some point out that businesses are now able to essentially purchase political influence, while others argue that it helps give businesses more of a platform to share their opinions and advocate for causes that are important to them.
It is also important to keep in mind that while businesses may now have more of a say, individual citizens are not left out in the cold. Citizens can still donate money to political campaigns, the impact of Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) just allows companies to do the same.
Conclusion
The decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) has certainly had a large impact on our democracy. Regardless of one’s opinion on the matter, it is important for businesses to understand the implications of this decision and how it could potentially affect their political engagement. By understanding these implications, businesses can make more informed decisions on how they engage in politics and how they use their influence to further their interests.