Super PACs

I just read a brilliant article on CCN by Fred Wertheimer, which details why the 2010 Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission US Supreme Court  ruling is the worst thing to happen do democracy since Adolf decided he'd like to have a go at running Germany.
In brief, it details why in the past certain laws were put in place to prevent exactly what is happening now, and why What is happening now is a bad thing.
And what is happening now, is that through loopholes in the law, a few hundred superrich Americans and corporations can buy the elections. They can influence voters in ways never seen before and they can ensure candidates are so heavily reliant on them to be reelected, that they can dictate policy.

Do yourself a favour, read this:
http://edition.cnn.com/2012/02/15/opinion/wertheimer-super-pacs/

And if you agree, you might want to have a look at Mr Wertheimer's not for profit organisation, Democracy 21, which is working to bring democracy back to people, instead of money.