WHAT'S AT STAKE

The Supreme Court will decide whether to overturn decisions that the government may regulate corporate spending in elections. Here's the history:

1907: Congress bans direct contributions to candidates from corporations.

1947: Congress expands restrictions by barring corporations and unions from using funds from their general treasuries to support candidates, which would include advertising to help a candidate, for example.

1990: In Austin v. Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the Supreme Court upholds a state law banning corporations from using their profits for ads supporting or opposing candidates.

2002: Congress adopts the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002, often known as the McCain-Feingold Act, to limit the electoral influence of corporations, unions and special interest groups.

2003: Supreme Court upholds constitutionality of the McCain-Feingold Act and its provisions that corporations and unions use political action committee funds, rather than their general treasuries, for "electioneering communications."

2007: Court loosens McCain-Feingold's restrictions but does not revisit its constitutionality.

2009: Court in June decides to hold a hearing Sept. 9 to consider overturning its 1990 and 2003 precedents.