Citizens United ruling. Our data has tracked two major election cycles since then and, Citizens United recommended reading list — a sampling of research papers, news articles, books and a few of the many blog items we’ve written about the decision’s consequences, in no particular order. For more on our resources, please visit our We’ve learned a lot in the four years since theruling. Our data has tracked two major election cycles since then and, as we noted earlier this week , the ruling contributed to a surge in outside spending. As we reflect on the impact of the decision, and recognize its place as just one of many that have shaped campaign finance law, we offer arecommended reading list — a sampling of research papers, news articles, books and a few of the many blog items we’ve written about the decision’s consequences, in no particular order. For more on our resources, please visit our Reports page on Citizens United.

Recommended reading:

Policy Updates

SEC Corporate Disclosure Rules – The Securities and Exchange Commission was set to develop rules requiring public companies to disclose to shareholders any use of corporate funds for political donations or activity.

“SEC Drops Political Spending Disclosure from 2014 Agenda” (Alex Baumgart, OpenSecrets Blog, Dec. 3, 2013): “There’s a conspicuous absence from the Securities and Exchange Commission’s new list of rules it plans to consider next year: the proposed measure that would require corporations to disclose their political spending to shareholders. The SEC’s unwillingness to take this up in 2014 is a blow to the kind of transparency that is essential to keeping America democracy healthy.”

“Make a Wish! Petition to Shed Light on Corporate Political Gifts Turns Two” (Miriam Diemer, OpenSecrets Blog, Aug. 2, 2013)

IRS Guidance for Tax-Exempt Social Welfare Organizations on Candidate-Related Political Activities – The Internal Revenue Service has proposed new rules for 501(c)(4) social welfare organizations that could limit the ability of the secretive groups to engage in political activity.

FCC ad disclosure rules – The Federal Communications Commission could move to require more detailed and accurate on-air disclosure about who is funding political ads.



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