In the United States, campaign finance regulations have evolved over the years to address concerns about the influence of money in politics. One significant Supreme Court case that shaped modern campaign finance law is Citizens United v. FEC, decided in 2010. This case ruled that restrictions on independent expenditures by corporations and unions violate the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech. Consequently, this ruling opened the door to greater levels of spending in elections. Understanding this case is crucial for analyzing current campaign finance practices.
Which of the following best describes a direct effect of the Citizens United ruling?