In the context of campaign finance, the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission (2010) significantly altered the landscape of political funding. The ruling led to the conclusion that limiting independent spending by corporations and unions infringes on free speech protections under the First Amendment. This case has had profound implications for how political campaigns are financed and has raised concerns regarding the influence of money in politics.
Which of the following outcomes is a direct consequence of the Citizens United ruling?