Case background 1. Identify the plaintiff and defendant in the case. Plaintiff- Citizen’s United Defendant- Federal Election Committee
2. Explain why the case was brought to the Supreme Court. The case was brought before the Supreme Court because Citizens United, a non-profit organization wanted to challenge certain provisions if the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002. 3. Describe the goal of each side in the case. What type of decision was desired? Constitutional connections -C
itizens United wanted to assert their right to free speech and challenge the restrictions to spend money independently to support or oppose political candidates. Constitutional connections involved free speech protected by the First Amendment. They wanted to overturn the provisions of the BCRA and establish corporations and unions have the same First Amendment rights as individuals regarding political contributions. Federal Election Committee’s goal was to defend the constitutionality of the BCRA and its provisions, supporting campaign finance regulations that promote fair elections, prevent corruption and maintain transparency.
4. Explain the key rights or amendments involved in the case.
First Amendment -freedom a speech
5. Did the case primarily center on an issue of civil rights or civil liberties? Explain. The case centered around civil liberties, the First Amendment rights specifically freedom of speech.
Case outcomes 6. Describe the majority decision of the court and several arguments as to why the justices ruled the way they did. The Supreme Court ruled 5-4 in favor of Citizens United and overturned certain provisions
of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA). The Supreme Court believed that restrictions on corporations on corporate and union political expenses violated the free speech rights of these entities. The majority’s decision was influenced by the belief that restricting political spending by corporations and unions would not effectively prevent corruption.
7. If there was one dissenting decision of the court, explain it in detail. Why did some justices disagree
with the majority? 4 Justices dissented on the court’s decision.
8. What precedent was set by the court’s decision? What impact did it have on US society?
