Citizens United dramatically increased the role of money– especially unlimited, often opaque money, in American politics. It has intensified several conditions that political scientists associate with democratic backsliding.
Citizens United
In Citizens United v. FEC (2010) the Supreme Court held that corporations, unions, and associations have a First Amendment right to spend unlimited money on independent political advocacy. As a result super PACs have become dominant. They are allowed to raise unlimited funds from wealthy individuals, corporations, and nonprofits. Called dark money, nonprofits (501(c)(4)s) can spend heavily on elections without disclosing donors. Outside spending in federal elections increased from roughly $143 million in 2008 to over $1.4 billion in 2020. As a result of Citizens United, a tiny fraction of donors now account for a large share of political spending. Candidates increasingly rely on outside money rather than party organizations. These are well‑documented changes in the structure of American political power.
Corporations, while legal entities, are not citizens. They are not human beings. Giving them citizen attributes increases the power of the individuals who own them.
Political scientists see Citizens United as one factor that amplifies elite influence over policy and messaging. It weakens accountability because donors can remain hidden. At the same time, it increases polarization, as outside groups often reward extreme rhetoric, which erodes trust, because voters perceive the system as unduly influenced by money. These trends can make democratic institutions more vulnerable to authoritarian behavior.
Democratic Erosion
Today, the U.S. shows warning signs that scholars of democratic erosion track. There are increasing claims that political opponents are “enemies of the nation.” There have been Trump led attempts to delegitimize elections. Growing executive power is evident under President Trump. As a result of vitriolic speech, there is an increase in political violence and threats, and extreme polarization of the population. Media companies reinforce disinformation and increase the influence of wealthy donors and corporations.
However, the U.S. also retains strong features that offset the erosion. There are still competitive elections, although there are concerns about federal interference in the November 2026 midterm elections. There are independent courts, although some critics argue that the Supreme Court has been compromised. Free press still exists despite efforts by the federal government to control the message. There are still many civil society organizations that represent various social economic and environmental causes openly stating their beliefs. State rights still exist. However, there are efforts, such as the SAVE Act, that attempt to encroach on these rights. And while there are Constitutional checks and balances, the current administration has worked to redefine them.
Most scholars describe the U.S. as experiencing democratic backsliding. Yet, the rhetoric we are hearing, such as calling political opponents “enemies,” is historically associated with authoritarian movements. This certainly deserves serious attention. When a political leader labels a domestic political party as an “enemy,” it signals a dehumanization of opponents and delegitimization of democratic competition. This labeling can lead to justification for extraordinary measures, such as declaring a national emergency during an election. It has already led to permission for supporters to treat politics as warfare. Donald Trump backed motivated supporters on their January 6, 2020, march on the Capitol. This rhetoric is not new in world history, and it is often a precursor to authoritarian consolidation. It is a red flag in democratic theory.
The issue is the interaction between unlimited money, polarization, disinformation, institutional weakness, leader-centric politics, and rhetoric that frames opponents as existential threats. That combination is historically dangerous.
Daniel Webster
“It is hardly too strong to say that the Constitution was made to guard the people against the danger of good intentions. There are men, in all ages…who mean to govern well; but they mean to govern.” These are words that the People need to remember. Today’s political landscape is dominated by big money, whether it is through lobbying efforts or through the various organizations that are now allowed, as a result of by Citizens United, for all practical purposes, to buy elections. The People have been sold out. Who sold us out? We did!! When people/citizens fail to cast ballots and get involved in political debate, they forfeit their freedoms to those who are willing to be involved. Today, in the United States, those most involved in politics are the moneyed interests. More than likely, these organizations and individuals do not have the People’s best interests in mind!
Did the Supreme Court get it right? I don’t think so. They have placed inordinate value on the First Amendment’s Freedom of Speech clause. However, in the Constitution, Freedom of Speech is only granted to the People. This does not include non-human legal entities! These groups, if allowed to continue to pour millions of dollars into political debates, will have an impact beyond anything dreamed of by the Founding Fathers. In addition, the reality is that they not only have a financial impact, but allow people associated with the organization to in essence have more than 1 vote!! Wealthy business owners not only cast their “human” vote but also have tremendous influence through their companies’ ability to propagandize their interests.
Conclusion
It is We the People who need to take control of our creation. End Citizens United!! Control funding for political purposes!! American citizens need to support efforts to overturn the Supreme Court’s Citizens United. Groups such as Move to Amend are working to gain support in both the House and the Senate. Make your voice heard by supporting a group organized to stop the influence of big money in politics. Support Move to Amend, Democracy Unlimited, We the People, or other grassroots organizations that are working to remove big money from politics. Vote for representatives who advocate for the removal of big money from politics!
Thoughts from the Middle by Bob Fischer 