What is the Citizens United ruling and why do we need a Constitutional amendment? 

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Citizens United v FEC decision of January 21, 2010, allows corporations to spend unlimited money to support or oppose candidates for political office.  By a slim 5-4 margin, the Court held that corporations have a First Amendment (free speech) right that includes spending company money to influence elections. The decision overturned a century of precedent barring corporate political expenditures, including the bi-partisan McCain-Feingold law passed just 10 years ago. Many observers across the political spectrum believe this ruling is in direct conflict with American democratic principles and a serious threat to government of, for, and by the people. A 2010 Washington Post poll found that 80 percent of Americans disagree with the decision. 

What can people do to overturn this decision and reclaim democracy? 

The only way that people can over-rule the Supreme Court is through an amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The hurdles to amending the Constitution are substantial, requiring support from 2/3 of Congress and ¾ of the 50 states. The good news is that there is a rapidly growing movement to overturn Citizens United across the country and lots of ways people can get involved.

Take Action! 

If you agree that we must overturn the Citizens United ruling, we hope you’ll sign on to Get the Dough Out of Politics. When you do, you’ll be voicing your support for a Constitutional amendment that will stop corporations from spending money to influence election outcomes. 

Ready to sign on?  Click this button:

Many groups are working to overturn the Citizens United decision, and many different amendments have been proposed to do the job. You can see just how big the movement is, learn more, and find other ways to take action at United for the People. 

Thanks for standing up for democracy!