Global Enterprises Corporation zealously advocates the election of Courtney Smith as the next president of the United States and the defeat of the incumbent, Herbert Dumpty. The corporation produces and distributes Humpty Dumpty, a film underscoring President Dumpty’s shortcomings. The firm buys airtime on satellite and cable networks to broadcast Courtney!, an unabashed tribute to Dumpty’s opponent.

Has Global Enterprises violated the First Amendment? No. Freedom of ______________ is a highly prized freedom. It forms the basis for our democratic form of government, which could not exist if we could not freely express our ______________ opinions. The ______________ Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the freedom of speech. Corporations exist as separate legal entities and enjoy many of the same rights as persons.

Political speech by corporations falls under the protection of the First Amendment. Like persons, corporations can use their funds to advocate the election or defeat of a candidate.