Students can hear Sal give an introduction to campaign finance up to and after Citizens United, including the difference between soft and hard money, the influence of PACs and super PACs, and the impact of the McCain-Feingold Act. They can then follow that up with an in-depth video on Citizens United v. FEC in which Sal discusses the background and holdings of the case with scholars Richard Hasen, professor of law at UC Irvine School of Law, and Bradley Smith, former chairman of the FEC. Teachers can then assign an exercise to their students aligned to the current AP Government and Politics exam to assess how well they understood the content of the lesson.
Williams-Yulee v. Florida Bar (2015)
Does a law that prohibits candidates for judicial office from personally asking for campaign funds violate the First Amendment? This case summary looks at First Amendment protections against Florida Bar Association regulations.
Caperton v. Massey (2009)
Should a state judge recuse himself from a case if one of the parties made financial contributions to the judge’s election campaign? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2009.
FEC v. Wisconsin Right to Life (2007)
Can the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act restrict issue ads from airing months before an election? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered that question in 2007.
Randall v. Sorrell (2006)
Do Vermont’s limits on campaign contributions and spending violate the First Amendment? This case summary shows how the Supreme Court answered this question in 2006.