Which Supreme Court case in 1976 set the precedent on linking campaign expenditures with forms of free speech?

• A. Speechnow.org v. FEC
• B. McConnell v. FEC
• C. NYT v. Nixon
• D. Buckley v. Valeo

Answer: (D)

The main idea tested is that money spent to influence elections is a form of political speech protected by the First Amendment. Buckley v. Valeo, decided in 1976, held that spending money to influence elections constitutes speech, so tying strict limits to expenditures violates free speech rights. The Court did allow limits on contributions to prevent corruption and required disclosure to inform voters, but it struck down many expenditure limits, including those on a candidate’s own spending and on independent spending. This case established the framework that money in politics is a form of expression, shaping how campaign finance is understood and later regulated.