Corruption in politics
Corruption in politics is an age-old problem that comes in various forms like extortion, nepotism, embezzlement and bribery. The history of corruption can be traced back long ago, as corruption is believed to have started when human existence began. In America, political leaders are often accused of misusing their positions for their benefit making corruption a great concern in American politics. In America, lobbying during an election campaign is considered as bribery. Bribing of voters is high during political campaigns despite the existence of electoral laws, not much has been done to eliminate corruption. Politics is the heart and soul of the American government, and without political representation, many people will have no say. However, we have seen editorial cartoons portraying America as being a country run by corporations instead of the elected leaders.
Over the last decades, issues of corruption have been highlighted by different interest groups in America. Corruption scandals have toppled the government in several countries not only in America. In America, corporations are also known to contribute huge sums of money for political campaigns. Even though electoral laws regulate the amount of money to be spent during campaigns, politicians use a lot of money beyond the set amount. Those who make donations during election campaigns will eventually be rewarded hence creating room for corruption.
Corporations have been accused of corruption, because of campaigns, politicians are in need of money, therefore, wealthy corporation fund certain politicians. These corporations manipulate the elected politicians to pass laws that benefit their companies. In history, many corruption scandals involving corporation have been severally highlighted in the US with corporate corruption ruining the country’s freedom and equality. One of the recent scandal involving Rod Blagojevich and Tony Rezko reveals that corruption is not ending soon in American politics. Elected officials are supposed to represent the public, but with corrupt officials, the public have lost trust in the government.
It is true that corporations are the ones running the American government because most congress representatives are controlled by specific corporations. As a result, the development of corporate corruption has become the focus in the recent times. The public feels that their needs are no longer articulated by the elected leaders. Corporate donations have worsened corruption in America resulting to a negative portrayal of American democracy. Corruption has slowed down the progress of government officials from discussing important issues that affect the public.
Corruption is a global concern that requires collaborative efforts from the government and different stakeholders. We need to fight all forms of corruption because of its detrimental effect on the economic growth and future development of our country. Fighting corruption requires more than just a cartoon on the editorial newspapers. We need to take drastic changes to maintain the American dream portrayal. As the government focuses on international affairs and other problem facing our economy, corruption needs to be part of its agenda.
Donations should be limited to control corporations from controlling our congressional representatives. Corruption is an issue whose solution requires concerted efforts from all section more so from the public and policy makers. Multiple actions need to be taken to create a culture of transparency by empowering citizens. Corruption in politics remains a challenging subject not only in America but also in other advanced economies because corruption limits investment, hence affecting the country’s economic growth.
