There has been an ongoing debate amongst most Americans, questioning the legitimacy of the U.S. political system and its constituents. The premise of the debate has been, whether the dynamic of the system is corrupt or if it’s the politicians involved. Our political system is called into question, based on the excessive amount of funds that are allocated into the campaigns of each party. Corruption can be defined as someone who maintains a seat of power and commits, fraudulent actions or conduct, in order to benefit themselves. When placed into context, one could say that, any group or organization that funds a campaign to influence laws or policies, may be corrupt.
But defining and applying corruption under a political context can be hard since, the system is so complex. Politicians are usually left to decide, on whether to accept funds for the sake of their campaign, or deny funds from groups whose interests conflict with the party’s agenda. Though politicians are ultimately supposed to be implementing policies that benefit the common good, this is infringed by their need for money. Interest groups are typically looking to benefit corporations by providing tax incentives or implementing subsidies on certain commodities.
Determining whether politicians are corrupt, can be difficult since the only way to fund a campaign, is by raising money or donations. Raising campaign funds is an extensive and laborious process, so it isn’t uncommon for parties, to set aside their ideals, to gain adequate funding. Which raises the question of, are politicians being bought off ? Trying to remain competitive in a campaign against an opposing party, while maintaining a political platform can become conflicting. Since where and whom parties get their funding varies, implementing policies that favors the common good is extremely difficult.
Furthermore, parties are expected firstly to uphold their ideology enough, to attract voters, without seeming too radical or liberal. Secondly they must procure enough funds for their campaign, without providing it themselves. Then they are expected to pass laws that benefit and don’t undermine the consensus of voters in the electorate. In addition, to receiving a majority of their campaign funds from private groups, who are only concerned with their own interests. Seems like a lot to ask of politicians, along with putting their reputation on the line, when their intent is to help people. I do believe there are politicians who exploit this system to benefit themselves, but i’d say it’s unfair to assume this from all. Clearly there needs to be substantial reform to the framework of the political system and how campaigns are funded.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/in-theory/wp/2016/05/05/the-u-s-political-system-is-flawed-but-not-corrupt/?utm_term=.df115e1649bf
