Corporations Are Not People: Reclaiming Democracy Jeffrey

In this review of Corporations Are Not People: Reclaiming Democracy from Big Money and Global Corporations (Second Edition), the bottom line is clear: this is a timely, readable primer for readers concerned about corporate influence on politics and the long shadow of the Citizens United decision. Jeffrey D. Clements presents a concise history and a fact-rich account of how corporate power has reshaped American democracy, and the new chapter Do Something! gives practical, state-by-state examples that make the book especially useful for activists and informed citizens seeking realistic reform strategies.

Key Features

• Updated second edition: Includes recent developments and a new Do Something! chapter that surveys state and local efforts to curb corporate influence.
• Historical context: Traces the legal and political history that led to Citizens United, making complex rulings accessible to nonlawyers.
• Action-oriented: Presents concrete examples of campaigns and strategies so readers can see how communities and states pursue a constitutional amendment.
• Concise pacing: The writing is compact and descriptive, which helps readers absorb key facts without wading through dense legal prose.
• Factual reporting: Lays out shocking statistics and documented impacts of corporate money in politics, supporting the book's call to reform.

Who It's For

This book is well suited for engaged citizens, grassroots organizers, students of political science, and anyone frustrated by the influence of corporate money in elections. Its concise style and clear historical narrative make it approachable for readers seeking to understand the roots and consequences of Citizens United without specialized legal training.

Those expecting an academic legal treatise or an exhaustive policy handbook may want more in-depth legal citations and granular legislative blueprints, but readers looking for context, motivation, and practical examples will find this second edition valuable.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Readable, engaging prose that makes complex legal history accessible to a broad audience.
• Updated material and a dedicated Do Something! chapter that highlights successful state and local efforts.
• Well organized presentation of facts that supports clear arguments for reform.

Cons

• Not a substitute for a technical legal manual; readers seeking detailed statutory language or litigation strategy may need supplemental sources.

Specifications

Title	Corporations Are Not People: Reclaiming Democracy (Second Edition)
Author	Jeffrey D. Clements
Edition	Second edition, updated
Main focus	Citizens United ruling and corporate influence on democracy
New content	Do Something! chapter on state and local reform efforts
Coverage highlights	History of the ruling, destructive effects, and amendment movement

Our Verdict

Jeffrey D. Clements delivers a focused, persuasive case that corporate money undermines democratic representation, and this second edition adds timely, practical material for activists. It is a good value for readers who want a readable synthesis of the problem and a rallying, example-driven roadmap for local and state action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this edition include new material?
Yes. The second edition adds a Do Something! chapter that surveys state and local efforts and updates developments since the first edition.

Is this book accessible to nonexperts?
Yes. The author writes in clear, concise prose and explains legal history without requiring prior legal training.

Will this teach me how to run a campaign to change law?
The book provides practical examples and strategies used by communities, but it is not a detailed campaign manual; readers may want supplementary guides for step-by-step organizing.