The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land. In 2010, the US S

Question

The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land. In 2010, the US Supreme Court (the highest court in our country) ruled that the First Amendment prohibits the government from restricting political independent expenditures by corporations, associations or labor unions. Meaning that a corporation could spend as much as it wants on political campaigns of candidates running for office as long as it is not a direct contribution. The case arose from a conservation lobbying group, Citizens United. The group wanted to air a film critical of Hillary Clinton during the 2008 presidential election and to advertise the film during television broadcasts. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that such action was allowed and was protected under the corporations' first amendment rights of freedom of speech.

Please answer any of the following questions:

Do you agree with the decision?  What happens when a decision is made by the US Supreme Court? Is it binding? Can the State of New York decide to ignore it and impose its own law limiting corporation's spending on political campaigns?

Does the US Constitution recognize a corporation's freedom of speech under the Bill of Rights?

Do you see a danger in allowing corporations the ability to spend millions of dollars supporting a political candidate for any office?  

Explanation / Answer

I agree with the decision of the supreme courts it is unconstitutional to ban or limit free speech which includes communication through spending in elections and advertising by corporations. There is only a limit on money being given to candidates directly. When the decision is made by the supreme court it is said to be binding.

On the other hand there are dangers in direct contribution too candidates in allowing corporations the ability to spend millions of dollars supporting a political candidate for any office as Outside spending now plays a huge part in elections. This may lead to negative implications regarding corruption, equality and frees speech. The corporations may make abusive use of such rights.

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