This amendment seeks to address the undue influence of corporations in our nation’s politics. The Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision threatens the health of our democratic system, allowing corporations to spend unlimited sums of money to influence the outcomes of elections. Because candidates with the most money win more than 85 percent of the time[1], corporations now wield incredible power over the election of our country’s leaders. For the sake of the public interest and the health of our democratic system, Congress must act to ensure we have a democracy of the people, by the people, and for the people—not corporations.

About the Amendment

In response to the Citizens United ruling and the growing movement protesting the influence of money in politics, Congressman Ellison introduced the Get Corporate Money Out of Politics Constitutional amendment. The amendment:

• Declares that corporations are not people
• Cites the compelling public interest to prevent corruption among election officials
• Reinstates the ability of Congress and the States to regulate funds used for political activity by for-profit corporations and similar entities
• Makes clear that no part of the amendment abridges the freedom of the press

Full Text of the Amendment:

SECTION 1: “Because of the compelling public interest in preventing corruption and the appearance of corruption among elected officials, and because corporations and other business organizations are not natural persons or citizens, Congress and the States may regulate the disbursement of funds for political activity by for-profit corporations, other for-profit business entities, or other business organizations, without regard to whether or not the activity is carried out independently from any candidate or political party.

SECTION 2: Nothing contained in this Article shall be construed to abridge the freedom of the press.”