After reviewing the definition of a "PAC" and ' interest group," we studied the controversial US Supreme Court decision of Citizens United vs FEC wherein the Court held that labor unions and corporations can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support causes and issues as long as no specific candidate was mentioned or endorsed. Olivia identified the competing interests of the First Amendment and free elections ,and we delved into the background of limiting campaign contributions as means of ensuring a fair election process. After reviewing a summary of the case, I elaborated on the difference between a PAC that raises money for a specific candidate and the type of so called "independent political speech" that was the subject of the case. We noted how these independent ads or broadcasts are very clearly an endorsement notwithstanding that no specific candidate is mentioned. Last, Olivia analyzed a political cartoon criticizing the Citizens United decision. For homework , I assigned reading pages 260-265 and answering 4 study guide questions.