Facts of the Case
What law is challenged in the case?
Bipartisan Campaign Finance Act of 2002 (BCRA)
During which primary did the events of the case take place?
2008 Democratic primary
Which side did the supreme court take?
Citizens United
What precedent did the Court Set
Expanded ways in which corporations can influence elections.
Who did the court side with?
McCutcheon
What was the name of the film that Citizens United Produced
"Hillary the Movie"
When was the case argued?
2010
What element of the constitution did the judges use in their decision?
First Amendment: Free Speech
What question was raised regarding campaign campaign finance?
What role should corporations and rich peole play in influencing elections
What precedent was set?
This case broadened the ability of someone to contrinute financially to many different campaigns within a short period of time.
Which section of BCRA was challenged?
Section 203, 201 and 311
Under which amendment did Citizens United claim their actions were protected by?
First Amendment: free speech
What was the result of the decision?
5-4
Did the Court's decision impact the 2008 primary?
No, the decision took place 2 years later
Which law was challenged?
Bipartisan Campaign Financa Act (BCRA)
What does section 203 of BCRA prohibit?
It is illegal for corporations or groups to engage in elections communications 60 or 30 days before an election or primary.
What does BCRA stand for?
Bipartisan Campaign Finance Act
What law was declared unconsitutional?
Section 203 of BCRA
What can corporations and groups now do as a result of Citizens United v. FEC
Corporations can spend as much as they want to influence elections
Which constitutional principle did the court base their decision on?
First amendment
What does section 201 of BCRA prohibit?
Communications must be disclosed and a disclaimer must be issued when communications are not directly tied to a candidate.
How did a corporation argue that they were protected by civil liberties in the consitution?
Previous supreme court precedent stated that corporations are made up of a group of individuals and thus had rights
What changed as a result of this case?
Corporations and groups can run advertisements at any time during an election.
What section of BCRA was declared unconsitutional
Section 203
What part of BCRA was overturned
2 year agregate contribution limitations