Inside the <i>Bellotti</i> Court

The article examines the legal and historical connections between the Supreme Court's decisions in Bellotti v. Federal Communications Commission and Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, emphasizing how Bellotti laid the groundwork for Citizens United. It argues that Justice Powell's opinion in Bellotti was pivotal in establishing that corporations have First Amendment rights to engage in political speech, a principle later expanded in Citizens United. The article critiques the narrative that Powell solely favored corporate interests, highlighting his broader concerns about government overreach in regulating speech. It also explores the implications of these rulings on campaign finance laws and the ongoing debate over money in politics.