What principle is at the heart of the Citizens United vs. FEC ruling?

The ruling in Citizens United vs. FEC centers on the principle of freedom of speech, particularly as it relates to political spending. The Supreme Court determined that restrictions on independent expenditures by corporations and unions for political communications violate the First Amendment's guarantee of free speech. This ruling emphasized that spending money to influence elections is a form of protected speech, thereby allowing these entities to participate more freely in the political process.

This principle underscores the idea that both individuals and organizations should have the right to express their ideas and support candidates through financial contributions, which the Court viewed as essential to a robust democracy. The decision has significant implications for campaign finance, suggesting that limitations on such expenditures could infringe upon the democratic process and restrict the marketplace of ideas.