Money in politics Many in the U.S. are already concerned about the growing role of wealth in politics, and the influence it could have on lawmakers. A 2023 Pew study found that over 70% of Americans believed there should be spending limits for political campaigns, while 85% believed that “the cost of political campaigns makes it hard for good people to run for office” and 80% said those who donate to campaigns have too much influence over members of Congress.
There used to be more restrictions on the amount of money that individuals and organizations could pour into elections. The Supreme Court’s controversial 2010 decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission eliminated campaign finance safeguards that limited companies’ “independent” political spending that didn’t go directly to candidates or parties, opening the door to super PACs and a flood of corporate contributions. The late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg called it the worst ruling of her time, and several states have gone on record supporting a constitutional amendment to overturn it. But 15 years later, the decision remains in place, and the wealth of the richest companies and individuals has only grown.
when a certain group or individual throws their money and power
