Introduction
The question of when corruption took over American politics is a deeply complex one, with roots extending far beyond just the past few decades. From the moment different political parties were formed due to differing opinions, the seeds for systemic corruption were planted. This article delves into the historical context of corruption in American politics, focusing on key turning points, such as the Citizens United ruling and the role of lobbying. We will also explore the thoughts of law professor Lawrence Lessig on this issue and investigate the current state of politics in the United States, where money seems to hold more sway than public welfare.
Historical Context of Corruption in American Politics
Corruption has been a longstanding issue in American politics, with origins dating back to the formation of political parties. At the very core, political parties were created due to ideological differences, and as these parties gained more power, so too did their potential for corruption. Money has long been a central element in American politics, with politicians often relying on donations to fund their campaigns. The relationship between money and politics is like a symbiotic dependence, with money funding politicians and politicians using their influence to secure financial support.
The Citizens United Case: A Turning Point
The Citizens United case, decided by the Supreme Court, marked a significant turning point in the political landscape. This ruling allowed for unlimited spending by companies and unions in federal election campaigns, effectively removing existing contribution limits. The case has been seen as the final nail in the coffin for campaign finance reform, as it essentially equated free speech with the right to spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns.
The effects of this decision have been profound. Since the Citizens United ruling, the amount of money spent on political campaigns has skyrocketed. According to the OpenSecrets, lobbying expenditures reached over $3.5 billion in 2009, with each U.S. Congressman receiving about $6.5 million in lobbying spending. This figure dropped slightly in 2014 to $3.25 billion but still represents a significant investment in political influence.
The Role of Lobbying
Lobbying is a critical aspect of the American political landscape, and it has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry. According to OpenSecrets, members of Congress spend between 30 to 70 percent of their time fundraising instead of legislating. This shift in priorities suggests that politics has become less about serving the public welfare and more about securing financial support.
The Harvard Magazine article, A Radical Fix for the Republic, highlights the devastating impact of this shift. Members of Congress are spending a significant portion of their time raising money rather than fulfilling their legislative duties. This is particularly concerning, given the dramatic shifts in political control since 1994, when the balance of power began swinging between Democrats and Republicans. This period has seen the rise of a new era of lobbying where lobbyists and government officials often have a mutually beneficial relationship, with former government officials securing high-paying jobs in the private sector after their terms in office.
One of the most egregious examples of this is the practice of "revolving door" politics, where government officials transition into high-paying jobs with companies that they influenced during their time in office. Such practices can create a direct conflict of interest, where officials are tempted to make decisions that benefit their new employers rather than the public good. It is alarming that the government might struggle to trace and regulate such activities, as the connections between government officials and private companies can be complex and indirect.
Lawrence Lessig's Critique
Lawrence Lessig, a prominent legal scholar, has provided insight into the current state of American politics. Lessig argues that as long as Congress remains reliant on money to fund its reelection campaigns, it will continue to struggle to address systemic issues. Lobbyists and special interest groups have a significant presence in the legislative process, often dictating the direction of policy.
Lessig's analysis, as highlighted in his work, underscores the fact that in 2009, lobbyists spent $3.5 billion on federal lobbying, with each U.S. Congressman receiving about $6.5 million in lobbying spending. This has dropped slightly since then, but the overall trend suggests a growing influence of money in politics. While there may not be a direct correlation between lobbying contributions and legislative outcomes, the sheer volume of spending on lobbying indicates a significant issue with the current political system.
In conclusion, the question of when corruption took over American politics is one that has deep historical roots. While the Citizens United case marked a significant turning point, the systemic issues of lobbying and the dependence of politicians on financial support have made it difficult to address. The shadow of corruption looms large over American politics, and unless fundamental changes are made to campaign finance and lobbying laws, it is unlikely that the issue will be fully resolved.
"Since 1994, when control of Congress began changing hands between Democrats and Republicans, the influence of money in politics has grown exponentially. This influence has led to a political system where the welfare of the general populace often takes a backseat to the interests of wealthy donors and special interest groups."
Lawrence Lessig
Keywords: corruption, American politics, lobbying, citizen united