What central concept about money and speech did Buckley establish?

What central concept about money and speech did Buckley establish?

• A. Money is speech, so campaign contributions may be unlimited
• B. Money is speech, so limits on contributions to candidates are unconstitutional
• C. Money is speech; limits on contributions are permissible, but limits on independent expenditures are not
• D. Money is not speech

Answer: (C)

Money is speech; Buckley v. Valeo recognized that spending money to influence elections is protected political speech, but it drew a important distinction between types of spending. The Court allowed limits on contributions to candidates or political committees as a way to prevent corruption or its appearance. But it struck down limits on expenditures, including independent expenditures by individuals or groups, because broad spending limits would chill speech. So the best description is that money is speech; limits on contributions are permissible, but limits on independent expenditures are not.

Money is speech; Buckley v. Valeo recognized that spending money to influence elections is protected political speech, but it drew a important distinction between types of spending. The Court allowed limits on contributions to candidates or political committees as a way to prevent corruption or its appearance. But it struck down limits on expenditures, including independent expenditures by individuals or groups, because broad spending limits would chill speech. So the best description is that money is speech; limits on contributions are permissible, but limits on independent expenditures are not.