Newswise — According to Colgate University professor Michael Johnston, Americans' perception of government corruption is greater than today's reality. Johnston is the author of the book Syndromes of Corruption (Cambridge University Press, 2005) and many other studies on corruption, campaign finance, and fraud.
Though the majority of lawmakers are honest people, deceitful leaders make national headlines. That, Johnston says, keeps the perception of corruption at the forefront of public consciousness.
"As a result, several recent polls have shown that many Americans have become disillusioned with many incumbents and the establishment as a whole," Johnston explained. "But fears that campaign contributions and the power of wealth — both economic and cultural — have turned politics into an auction are oversimplified and largely misplaced. The real problem is one of perceptions, and of values that may or may not be shared by citizens and those who aspire to lead them."
"Whether or not the public's perceptions are accurate — and in important respects they are not — if a solid majority of citizens in a representative democracy holds such views, then that democracy has a significant corruption problem," he added. "What we need an electoral system that is not just open to all candidates but that is seen to be open, genuinely competitive, and responsive to the wishes and participation of citizens."
"The question now is whether Americans are so concerned about the pervasiveness of corruption of all levels of government that they will not just vote in the mid-term elections, but also vote for change."
Johnston is the Charles A. Dana professor of political science at Colgate. He is available to speak about this, recent bribery scandals, campaign finance, and other issues related to the mid-term elections.
Founded in 1819, Colgate University is a highly selective, residential, liberal arts college enrolling nearly 2,750 undergraduates. Situated on a rolling 515-acre campus in central New York State, Colgate attracts motivated students with diverse backgrounds, interests, and talents.
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