What was the outcome of the 2010 case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission?

The 2010 case Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission is significant because it ruled that the First Amendment protects the free speech rights of individuals, corporations, and unions when it comes to political spending. The Supreme Court determined that these entities could spend unlimited amounts of money on independent expenditures, which are defined as political communications that are not coordinated with a candidate's campaign. This ruling effectively allowed for greater financial influence in the political process and led to the rise of Super PACs—political action committees that can raise and spend unlimited sums of money in support of candidates.

The case was rooted in the belief that restricting independent political expenditures constitutes a violation of free speech rights, thereby enabling a more vibrant and diverse political discourse. This outcome fundamentally changed the landscape of campaign finance in the United States, giving rise to debates about the implications of money in politics and its potential effects on democratic processes.