The United States, despite its global power, has a history riddled with corruption. From the late 19th to the early 20th century, the levels of political corruption were comparable to those seen today in developing nations. This historical problem, its decline, and potential resurgence are explored in a working paper by Harvard Law Professor Matthew Stephenson and California State Supreme Court Justice Mariano-Florentino Cuellar. Their research raises a crucial question: How corrupt is the United States today compared to other countries?
A Historical Perspective on US Corruption
The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw systemic corruption deeply embedded in the US political system. This included:
- Political Machines: These organizations controlled local governments, using patronage for personal gain and manipulating elections.
- Office Buying: The practice of buying and selling public offices was widespread, even at the national level.
- Corporate Influence: Wealthy businesses bribed politicians to secure favorable treatment and exploit public resources. Railroad projects and natural resource extraction were particularly susceptible.
While the US faced significant challenges, there were key differences compared to modern developing nations grappling with corruption: The US was relatively wealthy, never devolved into a kleptocracy under a single corrupt leader stealing from the national treasury, and maintained relatively functional federal justice institutions.
The Long Road to Reform
The decline of corruption in the US wasn’t a sudden revolution but a gradual evolution. Civil service reform, for example, took decades of lobbying and incremental expansion. The Pendleton Act of 1883, a landmark achievement, initially only covered a small fraction of federal employees. Similar patterns emerged in the enforcement of anti-bribery and embezzlement laws.
Several factors contributed to this slow but significant change:
- Investigative Journalism: The “muckrakers” exposed corruption, fueled by technological advancements in the media industry.
- Citizen Activism: Civil society organizations played a crucial role in demanding reform.
- Government Growth: Paradoxically, the expansion of government size and power coincided with a decrease in corruption. Larger governments tend to face greater public scrutiny and may be more prone to bureaucratization and professionalization.
Stephenson
Contemporary Corruption in the US: A Global Comparison
Assessing current corruption levels is complex due to varying definitions and the lack of objective measures. While “traditional” corruption like bribery and embezzlement still exists, the US fares better than its historical past and many other nations in this regard. Everyday bribery is uncommon, and the country hasn’t experienced the extreme kleptocracy seen in some parts of the world.
However, concerns remain, particularly regarding lobbying and campaign finance practices, which blur the lines between legal influence and corruption. The Trump administration’s disregard for ethical norms further highlighted vulnerabilities in the US system’s reliance on informal norms rather than strict legal frameworks.
Lessons for Modern Reformers
The US experience offers valuable insights for today’s anti-corruption efforts:
- Patience and Persistence: Reform is a long-term process requiring sustained effort.
- Civil Service Reform: Reducing patronage and professionalizing government are crucial.
- Free Press and Active Citizenry: A robust media and engaged civil society are essential for holding power accountable.
- Strong Justice System: Independent courts and prosecutors are vital for enforcing anti-corruption laws.
- Transparency: Openness in government operations, particularly public finances, discourages corruption.
The US journey demonstrates that systemic corruption can be overcome, but vigilance and continuous reform efforts are necessary to prevent its resurgence. While the US has made significant strides, it must address remaining vulnerabilities and adapt its strategies to combat evolving forms of corruption. The question of how corrupt the United States is compared to other countries remains a complex one with no easy answer, requiring ongoing examination and debate.
