In American Politics, Corruption is Expected and Accepted: The Role of Campaign Finance
The perception of corruption in American politics is one of the most debated topics in the nation. Many argue that corruption is a deeply ingrained issue, with expectations of some level of impropriety being a norm. However, when it comes to the national government, the corruption levels have been relatively better managed compared to local or state-level governance. This paradox brings into question the extent to which corruption can be reduced through policy changes and the role of campaign finance in perpetuating or mitigating such issues.
The National Government's Relatively Clean Record
While corruption issues are prevalent at the local and state levels, the national government has managed to maintain a relatively clean record. Local bribery and other corrupt practices are more common, but the political parties at the federal level often engage in self-policing to avoid damaging their reputations. Such measures reflect the belief that a good reputation is critical for maintaining public trust and overall political health.
The Impact of the 2020 Presidential Election
The 2020 Presidential election had a notable impact on reducing corruption in the national government. This event marked a significant reduction in corruption levels, bringing them back within a more acceptable range. With the upcoming 2024 election, there is an opportunity for voters to reaffirm the progress made in reducing corruption. By maintaining this trend, the national government can continue to be viewed favorably on a worldwide scale, highlighting the low level of corruption compared to other nations.
Corporate Influence and Campaign Donations
One of the significant challenges in reducing corruption lies in the issue of corporate influence and campaign donations. Post the Citizens United ruling, campaign donations have become almost unlimited and frequently anonymous, leaving a significant imprint on the political landscape. These large, frequent donations make it virtually impossible for politicians to ignore the financial interests of businesses, their executives, and owners. The reality is that it would take a saint to resist the pressures that come with such massive financial backing.
The Ineffectiveness of Current Solutions
Given the current political environment, the only feasible solution to reduce corruption would be a constitutional amendment banning private funding in elections. However, this amendment is currently impossible to achieve due to the extensive influence of money in politics. The current system is deeply entrenched, and voters often lack the motivation or desire to scrutinize the ethics of their elected officials. This adherence to the status quo is driven by the belief that long-serving politicians have more influence over where money and resources are allocated.
Political Seniority and Local Spending
Political seniority plays a crucial role in how resources are distributed in the U.S. government. Older lawmakers have a significant advantage in influencing spending priorities, which often align with their states' or districts' interests. A look at military spending data from 2021 provides a clear illustration of this phenomenon. States with higher military spending often have more senior politicians, and thus, have greater influence over the allocation of resources. Here’s a snapshot of the top spenders:
Notably, the higher the spending, the higher the political seniority, indicating a strong correlation between the two. This pattern suggests that the political system is designed to benefit those who have served longer, rather than those who may have more innovative or progressive ideas.
Conclusion
Corruption in American politics is a complex issue, deeply rooted in the systems and cultural expectations of the nation. While efforts have been made to reduce its impact, the current framework is riddled with challenges that hinder meaningful progress. Addressing the role of campaign finance in perpetuating corruption is essential, but achieving this through constitutional means remains a distant possibility. As long as the influence of money in politics continues to shape policy and prioritize certain regions over others, the battle against corruption will remain an uphill struggle.