Introduction

With the recent presidential elections, the topic of corporate interest has exploded to the forefront of political debate. Currently, many Americans seem to share an anti-establishment sentiment and view connections to companies as a form of legalized corruption. This entire debate relates back to the ideas of corporate personhood and corporate freedom of speech. Essentially, these ideas imply that corporate entities are afforded some of the same rights as a person, specifically freedom of speech. The debate over the protection of corporate rights has had a long and complicated role in American history. In the first few years following the American Revolution corporations existed as small scale banking firms. However, in the early 1800’s the factory design, utilized by textile companies, propelled America into its first Industrial Revolution. From then on, corporations grew in power, especially those involved in railroads, oil, and steel. This corporate growth also came with numerous political scandals as government officials took part in corrupt practices with these firms. Public opinion of corporations crashed even further after people learned of their role in the stock market crash that marked the beginning of the Great Depression. However, after World War II, belief in the American corporation was revitalized along with the economy. Now, in modern day society, companies have continued to grow, for the most part, but the public seems to be frustrated with the corporate ties that are apparent all over Washington D.C. Legislators constantly meet with lobbyists from various companies to agree upon agenda’s that further the interest of the industry rather than the interest of the public. Congressmen put clauses in bills that benefit corporations in exchange for an extremely well-paying job as a lobbyist for the company. Companies dump immense amounts of money into Super PACs to support candidates of their choice. All these practices allow companies to take control of Congress in way that serves them instead of the common American citizen. This is a result of the corporate rights that have been protected by law and the Supreme Court numerous. Cases like Citizens United vs. The Federal Elections Committee and their precedent cases, protected the sanctity of corporate freedom. Currently, legal precedents surrounding corporate personhood allow corporations to participate in democracy in a way that undermines the voice of the American people in favor of furthering special interest.