What is "Citizens United"?

Quick note: if you haven’t already, add our email address to your contact list! That way, our emails won’t end up in your spam folder 🙂 

Quick note #2: Our next email will be on Monday, May 26th. We’ll be taking a 2 week break to plan some more interesting curriculum for you, our readers! Thanks for your patience and enjoy this final lesson before our short pause.

🗳️ 

Main Story
What is “Citizens United”?

🇺🇸 What’s Going On?

• Groups like End Citizens United and American Promise are pushing for a constitutional amendment to overturn the ruling.

• With the 2024 election behind us and 2026 already on the horizon, the influence of money in politics remains a hot-button issue.

🧠 Quick Explainer: What Is Citizens United?

• The basics: In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled (5-4) that corporations, nonprofits, and unions have a First Amendment right to spend unlimited money on political messaging, as long as it’s not coordinated with a campaign.

• The case: Citizens United, a conservative nonprofit, wanted to air a film criticizing Hillary Clinton near the 2008 primaries. The FEC said no, because there were rules against "electioneering communications" close to an election. Citizens United sued.

• The ruling: The Court said political spending is protected free speech, even by corporations and outside groups. This led to a surge in Super PACs and dark money in elections.

• The impact:

  • In 2022 alone, Super PACs spent over $2 billion.

  • Candidates rely more than ever on outside groups, reducing transparency and accountability.

  • Critics say it gives wealthy donors and special interests too much influence over elections.

• Can it be overturned?

  • Yes—but it’s hard. It would likely require either:

    1. A constitutional amendment (very rare—needs 2/3 of Congress + 3/4 of states), or

    2. A future Supreme Court decision to reverse the precedent.

🧩 Pop Quiz

🌎️ 

World News
Global News in 60 Seconds

In the last 3 days…

• 🇮🇳🇵🇰 India–Pakistan Tensions Escalate
  India launched "Operation Sindoor," conducting airstrikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir in retaliation for a deadly terror attack in Kashmir. Pakistan reported civilian casualties and claimed to have shot down several Indian jets, leading to fears of broader conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors. ​

• 🇻🇦 Papal Conclave Begins
  The Vatican's conclave to elect a new pope commenced on May 7. The first vote was inconclusive, indicated by black smoke from the Sistine Chapel chimney. Cardinal Pietro Parolin is considered a frontrunner, but divisions within the Church suggest a potentially prolonged election process. ​

• 🇩🇪 Germany Elects New Chancellor
  Friedrich Merz was confirmed as Germany's new chancellor after an initial failed vote in the Bundestag. His appointment signals a shift in German politics from a more left-leaning, moderate leadership to a more conservative, pro-business direction, with immediate plans to engage with European allies and address economic challenges.

🧩 

That’s all for now - see you on May 26th!

Stay connected! Check out our podcast, Youtube page, Instagram, and previous newsletters.

Questions? Hit ‘reply’ and let’s connect.

Was this email forwarded to you? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at SparkCivic.Org for 100% free, bullet-pointed, educational, gamified political news roundups.