Unit 4/5 SCOTUS Case & Required Docs

Required SCOTUS Case: Citizens United v. FEC (2010)

• Citizens United v. FEC (2010): This Supreme Court case ruled that corporate funding of independent political broadcasts in candidate elections cannot be limited under the First Amendment. The Court's decision allowed for unlimited contributions to "independent expenditure-only" Political Action Committees (Super PACs), arguing that such spending is a form of free speech. This ruling significantly increased the role of money in American politics, particularly for corporations and unions, which can now spend unlimited amounts in support of or opposition to political candidates.

Required Documents:

1. "Letter from a Birmingham Jail" (1963)

   • Written by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during his imprisonment in Birmingham, Alabama, this letter defends the strategy of nonviolent resistance to racism. King responds to local clergy who criticized his actions as "unwise and untimely." The letter argues that individuals have a moral duty to disobey unjust laws and emphasizes the urgency of addressing racial injustice.

   • Relevance: This document is relevant to political participation and the expansion of civil rights, particularly in the context of the fight for voting rights and equality.

2. The Amendments, especially the Bill of Rights and the amendments that expanded suffrage

   • The Bill of Rights consists of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, guaranteeing fundamental rights like freedom of speech, religion, and assembly, and protection against abuse by the government (e.g., the right to a fair trial and protection from cruel punishment).

   • Amendments that expanded suffrage: Key amendments that expanded voting rights include:

     • 15th Amendment (1870): Prohibits voting restrictions based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

     • 19th Amendment (1920): Grants women the right to vote.

     • 24th Amendment (1964): Abolishes poll taxes, removing a barrier to voting.

     • 26th Amendment (1971): Lowers the voting age from 21 to 18.

   • Relevance: These documents are central to understanding political participation and the historical expansion of suffrage in the U.S., which directly relates to voter rights, public opinion, and the evolution of democratic engagement.

3. Federalist 10 (1787)

   • Written by James Madison, Federalist 10 addresses the dangers of factionalism (groups of citizens with interests contrary to the rights of others or the interests of the community as a whole). Madison argues that a large republic is the best form of government to mitigate the effects of factions because it dilutes their power through a diversity of interests and opinions.

   • Relevance: This essay is foundational in understanding the role of political parties, interest groups, and how a diverse republic manages competing interests, directly linking to how political participation is managed in a democratic system.

4. Federalist 70 (1788)

   • Written by Alexander Hamilton, Federalist 70 argues for a strong, energetic executive, proposing that a single president is more effective than a plural executive. Hamilton emphasizes the importance of a unified and decisive leadership in executing laws and responding to national crises.

   • Relevance: This document is relevant to understanding the executive branch's role in political participation, including presidential campaigns, leadership, and decision-making processes within the U.S. government.

5. Brutus No. 1 (1787)

   • This Anti-Federalist paper, written by an unknown author (likely Robert Yates), argues against the ratification of the U.S. Constitution. Brutus claims that the Constitution gives too much power to the federal government, particularly in terms of the Necessary and Proper Clause and the Supremacy Clause, which could undermine state governments.

   • Relevance: This document provides insight into the debates over federalism, the balance of power between state and federal governments, and the concerns of those skeptical of a strong central government, influencing political ideology and participation at the state and national levels.

6. Article I of the Constitution (The Legislative Branch)

   • Article I outlines the structure, powers, and duties of the Legislative Branch, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. It grants Congress the authority to make laws, declare war, and regulate commerce, among other powers.

   • Relevance: Understanding Article I is crucial to understanding how political participation is shaped through the legislative process, including voting on laws, elections, and how elected representatives reflect public opinion.

7. Article II of the Constitution (The Executive Branch)

   • Article II establishes the executive branch of government, headed by the President, outlining the powers and duties of the presidency, including serving as commander-in-chief of the military, enforcing laws, and conducting foreign policy.

   • Relevance: This article is key to understanding how the president is elected, how executive power works in shaping policy, and how the president's role influences political participation and public opinion.