In 2010, the Supreme Court handed down a decision that fundamentally changed the landscape of American politics: Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission. This ruling declared that corporations and billionaires have the same First Amendment rights as actual human beings—meaning they can spend unlimited amounts of money influencing elections. The result? Our democracy is now up for sale to the highest bidder.
How Citizens United Hurts Everyday Americans
Before Citizens United, there were stricter limits on how much money could flood our elections. But after the ruling, Super PACs and dark money groups exploded, allowing billionaires and corporate interests to drown out the voices of everyday voters. Here’s how this corrupt system is hurting us:
1. Politicians Serve Donors, Not the People
When a handful of ultra-wealthy donors bankroll political campaigns, those politicians are beholden to them—not to the millions of Americans they’re supposed to represent. That’s why policies that benefit the rich (like tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation of big business) keep getting passed, while working-class Americans struggle to make ends meet.
2. Big Money Spreads Disinformation
Dark money groups—who aren’t required to disclose their donors—spend millions spreading propaganda to manipulate public opinion. These ads flood TV and social media with misleading or outright false information designed to confuse voters and push corporate-friendly agendas.
3. It Blocks Real Change
Americans overwhelmingly support policies like universal healthcare, higher wages, and stronger environmental protections. But because billionaires and corporations control the purse strings, these popular reforms rarely make it past the discussion stage. Why? Because corporate America doesn’t want policies that might cut into their profits.
Why We Need to Overturn Citizens United
Democracy isn’t supposed to be a pay-to-play system. It’s supposed to represent the will of the people. To take our country back, we need to:
- Support a Constitutional Amendment – Several organizations are pushing for an amendment to overturn Citizens United and get big money out of politics.
- Pass Stronger Campaign Finance Laws – Congress must act to rein in the influence of billionaires and corporations.
- Demand Transparency – Dark money groups must be required to disclose their donors so voters know who’s really pulling the strings.
The Bottom Line
Citizens United didn’t give average Americans more freedom—it handed the keys of our democracy to the rich and powerful. If we want a government that actually represents the people, we must fight to overturn this disastrous ruling. Because in a real democracy, your voice should matter more than a billionaire’s checkbook.