A
recent poll by Gallup revealed every three of the four people believe United
States is corrupt and that there is a need for change in the way the government
functions[i].
Corruption in advanced market economies like United States, Japan, and
Australia differs significantly from corruption in others. The problem is not law-breaking but the rather the perception
that entire gamut of institutional authority has become corrupted by a nexus of
power and wealth. The best example for this is the case of
financing election campaigns. In her
book on Corruption in America, Zephyr Teachout gives the example of a snuffbox
that Louis XIV gifted to Benjamin Franklin and contrasts what this means in
American and European context. Whereas in Europe it is perceived as a sign of
appreciation and closeness, in the American context, it is a ‘bribe’. [ii]
A more recent example is the one of former Virginia governor Bob McDonnell and
the arguments made by his lawyers against the charges of bribery levied against
him. The main point of the report
submitted in his defense to the Supreme Court states how he accepted his gifts
as a part of his ‘official act’. Because he never exercised any government
power on behalf of his benefactor, it is not of any significance.[iii]
The case is still going on.
For
both Democrats and Republicans, around 80-85% of the campaign funding comes
from Political Action Committees (PACs) and individual contributors[iv].
The recent Citizens United v. FEC ruling made it legal for corporations and
unions to finance independent campaigns to/for any candidate. The consequences
of this can be disastrous. Corruption becomes intrinsically embedded in
political, constitutional and the institutional machinery, so much so that we
are unable to see it as outside of the system. We lose trust in the system.
So
has been the case in Unites States. Institutions regulating power and wealth in
electoral politics face serious credibility issues which is essential for its
functioning. Closely related is the example of Donald Trump who is leading the
republican votes so far. A major reason for his success can be attributed to
the fact that he does not need the resources of a third party and is funding
large chunk of his campaign by himself. [v]Therefore,
the perception that he will not be influenced is widespread.[vi]
Michael
Johnston places corruption in United States in a wider context of Influence
Markets.[vii]
The dealings, sometimes even legal, can have catastrophic effects on
competition. More importantly, they damage accountability in the system. Johnston
believes the magnitude of corruption in influence markets will have particular
consequences because of their place in global politics.[viii]
The nature of their institutions and corporations, the global reach of their
markets and banks will determine the policies that are in place around the
world. Rather than promoting policies that will help in safeguarding
corruption, it will lead to a promotion of specific type of corruption, which
is more dangerous because of its internalized and institutionalized nature, and
the lack of trust it creates.
[i] ‘Widespread Government Corruption’, Gallup (http://www.gallup.com/poll/185759/widespread-government-corruption.aspx)
[ii] Introduction, Corruption in America: From Bejamin Franklin’s Snuff
Box to Citizens United, Zephyr Teachout, 2014
[iv]‘Where the money came from’ , Open Secrets, Centre for responsive
politics http://www.opensecrets.org/bigpicture/wherefrom.php?cycle=2010#
[v] http://www.businessinsider.in/Donald-Trump-just-filed-an-incredible-campaign-finance-report/articleshow/49415068.cms
[vi] https://sunlightfoundation.com/blog/2016/02/24/is-donald-trump-really-self-financing-his-presidential-campaign/
[vii] Johnston, M. (2005). Syndromes of corruption: wealth, power,
and democracy. Cambridge University
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