Question

ext dependent questions on citizens united:

1. what was the main argument presented by citizens united regarding the federal laws ban on independent political advertising?

a) it supported the ban.
b) it claimed the ban was unconstitutional.
c) it wanted to limit corporate spending in elections.
d) it argued that only individuals should have advertising rights.

1. short answer question: according to justice anthony kennedy, why is speech considered an essential mechanism of democracy?
2. what does justice kennedy state about the role of political speech during a campaign for political office?

a) it should be limited to protect the public.
b) it is less important than other forms of speech.
c) it has its fullest and most urgent application during campaigns.
d) it is often misunderstood by the public.

1. short answer question: in his dissent, what concerns does justice john paul stevens raise about treating corporations the same as natural persons in the political sphere?
2. what standard must laws that burden political speech meet, according to justice kennedys opinion?

a) they must be easily implementable.
b) they need to prove they serve a compelling interest and are narrowly tailored.
c) they should not affect corporate entities.
d) they must be approved by the public.

Explanation:

1. Citizens United challenged the federal ban on independent political advertising as violating the First Amendment, arguing unconstitutionality.
2. Justice Kennedy emphasized speech enables voters to make informed choices, core to democratic self-governance.
3. Kennedy's opinion highlights political speech during campaigns is most critical for electorate decision-making.
4. Stevens argued corporations lack natural persons' democratic stake; equating them distorts political equality.
5. Kennedy applied strict scrutiny: laws burdening political speech need a compelling interest and narrow tailoring.

Answer:

1. B) It claimed the ban was unconstitutional.
2. Speech allows voters to access information and make informed decisions, which is fundamental to democratic self-governance.
3. C) It has its fullest and most urgent application during campaigns.
4. Justice Stevens argued that corporations are not natural persons with inherent democratic interests, and treating them as such risks distorting political equality by amplifying corporate influence over individual voices.
5. B) They need to prove they serve a compelling interest and are narrowly tailored.