On January 21, 2010, the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission allowed capitalist corporations and businesses to be treated as individuals during an election period. The move allows companies to spend or donate an unlimited amount in contributions to their party or candidate of choice in a given election. With the loss of corporate financial regulations, our entire political system is at risk of being corrupted by corporations whose sole objective is to satisfy their shareholders. This decision affects all Americans in their “life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.” President Barack Obama said of the decision: “The Supreme Court has given the green light to a new rush of special interest money into our politics. This is a major victory for Big Oil, Wall Street banks, health insurance companies and the other powerful interests who mobilize their power every day in Washington to suppress the voices of ordinary Americans… while undermining the influence of average Americans who make small contributions to support their preferred candidates. (Obama, "Statement by the President on Today's Supreme Court Decision.") President Obama's quote explains how the infinite amount of corporate funding now allowed will drown out the voices of campaign donors and volunteers An electoral candidate depends on funding to run a successful campaign. In the past, funding was largely provided by individual citizens whose financial influence was used to pressure politicians into making decisions that would benefit them. employment, their standard of living and their security, among other elements essential to a person's happiness. Companies being in the middle of the paper, they do not vote in their own country. The indignation of the American people forced this amendment. to become the fastest in U.S. history, to be ratified in just 107 days The 26th Amendment should serve as an example to us of the power we have as citizens to come together and show our concern in the face. to the court's decision in Citizens United v. FEC and the repercussions it will have on ourselves and future generations. Works Cited "CITIZENS UNITED v. FEDERAL ELECTION COMM'N." CITIZENS UNITED v. COMM'NNp for the federal elections, March 24, 2009. Web. December 8, 2013. Obama, Barack H. “Statement by the President on Today's Supreme Court Decision.” » The White House. Np, January 21, 2010. Web. December 9, 2013. "U.S. Department of Labor -- History -- 5. Progressive Era Investigations." U.S. Department of Labor -- History -- 5. Progressive Era Surveys. Np, and Web. December 9. 2013.