Corruption in the democratic government of the United States of America has been a major fear for many years. Taking an opposition on corruption proves to be a failure among the majority of citizens. As it stands, only four states have taken their step to destroying corruption in their governments. Corruption is a real problem, yet the fear of it is just as dangerous.
Throughout the history of past elections, a wealthy few have contributed great sums of money to the candidate they most agree with politically. Some, however, donate money in hope to control that candidate to further their own aspirations. This is the most common form of corruption we have witnessed throughout every election.
The proposition to regulate the amount of money a contributer can donate to an election campaign is people's first response. However is this the best way to limit corruption? Given many factors, this idea is substantially rudimentary. If a law were to be passed allowing contibuters to donate a maximum of a hundred thousand dollars as opposed to a million, loopholes would be found to contribute under several various names allowing an unlimited amount that could be given to the campaign. Also, this limit would again only help those that are rich and powerful, given into consideration they are the only people with access to that kind of money from rich friends. This only gives people the false sense of security from corruption, however it still may be easily obtained.
A polemical solution is to have public funding for all election campaigns. Four states have already taken the necessary steps and succeeded. Logical as this is, there are still downfalls to this system. Many see it is not democratic for not allowing competition. This system controls competition and allows everyone an equal chance. In that perspective many find it to be very democratic. In order to erase the corruption, even more limitations have to be made to ensure that every candidate does have equal opportunity to express their opinions.
The equal opportunity to express beliefs is the key to lowering corruption. The option to hold debates on public television across the country seems to be the only way to stop politicians from using their money to over power other candidates and instil fear in them. Instead, competition would be supervised and everyone would be equal. Campaigns sponsored purely by public funding and regulated by the government seems to be the only way to stop the stimulation of corruption and destroying the fear.
With growing concern of our limitations as voters, we are steadily growing secluded from our government. The populous feels as though a vote will not matter among the multitude of others. Given the impenitent actions of government officials, no one can trust new politicians because they are confident they will twist and become corrupted. Corruption is a real problem, yet the fear of corruption is just as dangerous.
