Citizens United (organization)
Citizens United is a conservative non-profit organization in the United States. It is best known for its landmark Supreme Court case, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010), which significantly altered campaign finance regulations.
Overview
Citizens United was founded in 1988 by Floyd Brown. The organization's stated mission is to advance a conservative agenda through various means, including political advocacy, documentary films, and grassroots activism. A significant focus of their work has been challenging campaign finance laws and promoting free speech rights, particularly in the context of political spending.
Key Activities
- Documentary Films: Citizens United has produced and distributed numerous documentary films critical of Democratic politicians and policies. These films have often been released during election cycles.
- Legal Advocacy: The organization engages in legal challenges to laws and regulations it views as infringing on constitutional rights. The Citizens United v. FEC case is its most prominent legal victory.
- Political Advocacy: Citizens United actively participates in political campaigns, primarily by endorsing and supporting Republican candidates. They also engage in issue advocacy, promoting their conservative views on various topics.
- Grassroots Activism: The organization encourages grassroots activism through its website and other outreach efforts.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission
This Supreme Court case, decided in 2010, stemmed from the Federal Election Commission's (FEC) attempt to regulate Citizens United's broadcast of a film critical of then-presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. The Court ruled that corporations and unions have the same First Amendment rights as individuals, and therefore, the government cannot restrict their independent political spending in candidate elections.
The decision overturned portions of the McCain-Feingold Act (Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002) that prohibited corporations and unions from using their general treasury funds for independent expenditures (i.e., political advertising) that expressly advocate for or against a candidate close to an election.
Impact and Controversy
The Citizens United ruling has had a profound and controversial impact on American politics. Supporters argue that it protects free speech rights and allows for a more robust and informed public debate. Critics contend that it has led to a significant increase in political spending by corporations and wealthy donors, giving them undue influence in elections and undermining the democratic process. The ruling is often cited as a contributing factor to the rise of Super PACs and other forms of independent expenditure committees.