Ethics Vs. Politicians

Money still remains the root of nearly all political corruption.

Politicians are those figures seeking or maintaining political office in democratic political systems. Given the nature of democracy and the costs of election, it is no surprise that large numbers of politicians are charged with, convicted of or suspected of various ethics violations on a regular basis. Their constant drive for office requires them to raise large sums of money while the sense of power that many politicians have make them thing they are above the law or, at least, that they can use the law to their own advantage.

The Basics

The ethical issue faced by politicians, stated generally, is that elected officials at any level are elected to serve the all the people within a community. A politician is the servant of the law and the larger group that a government body is designed to represent and protect. He should not use this power for his personal gain or that of his friends and supporters.

Campaign Kickbacks

A "kickback" is the practice of funneling money and/or favors to those people and institutions who have helped the political in their campaigns. At first glance, it seems a perfectly reasonable contract: "you back me, and I'll make sure the cash and protections come your way." Yet, democratic theory holds that such people are elected to represent the entire district/state, not just that piece of it controlled by one's backers. There are various ethical rules that define what is appropriate within a specific governmental body.

Sex and Adultery

While much of society is embroiled in adultery and other sexual escapades, many want to see elected officials reflect not the reality of daily life, but America at its best. Politicians are expected to represent not just the state/district, but also the highest ideals of justice and propriety. The fact that elected politicians have a high profile reputation puts more responsibility on them to set a stellar example in the ethical field. While some politicians can withstand a sex scandal, others may be pressured to resign or may be voted out of office based on public outrage.

Investigations

Ethics investigations in Congress are under the authority of the House or Senate Ethics Committees. These committees are secretive, and serve to expose and prosecute ethics violations. According to a 2009 article by the Washington Post, most recent ethics investigations have been aimed at corporate influence peddling and defense-related lobbying. The committee, both in theory and in practice, takes aim at campaign contributions as corporate bribes. The ethical issue is the privatization of Congress, where it is the major donors, not the state or district, that are represented by the politician. As of 2009, there were 30 politicians under the committee's eye in the House of Representatives for these and similar infractions.

References

• Florida Times Union: Ethics Plan Asks More of Politicians
• Judicial Watch: "Ten Most Wanted Corrupt Politicians" for 2009
• The Washington Post: Dozens in Congress under Ethics Inquiry (2009)