Political Party Structure Enables Corruption
Anyone in a political party will tell you that they are fighting to end corruption in politics. Often Citizens United is held up as the holy grail of ending corruption. Don’t get me wrong, that Supreme Court Decision is a horrible one, but really the only thing that happened there was that our judicial system has gotten so comfortable with their power and influence that they are starting to say the quiet part out loud.
The truth is bribery and corruption are serious issues in politics, and have been almost since the inception of our republic. Political parties are particularly vulnerable to these practices due to several factors inherent in their structure and functioning. Here’s how political parties might be easier targets for bribery compared to independent candidates:
1. Concentration of Power
Centralized Decision-Making: Political parties often have centralized decision-making bodies or leaders who wield significant influence over candidate selection, policy formulation, and party resources. Bribery can be directed towards these key figures to gain favorable decisions or access to party resources. In contrast, independent candidates may have less centralized authority, making it harder to exert influence through bribery.
Control Over Resources: Parties control substantial resources, including campaign funds, organizational infrastructure, and patronage opportunities. This concentration of resources can make bribery more attractive and effective for those seeking to influence party decisions or secure political favors.
2. Complex Organizational Structure
Multiple Decision-Makers: Parties have various layers of decision-making, including local chapters, regional offices, and national leadership. This complexity can provide multiple points of entry for corrupt practices. Bribing different levels or factions within a party can be more strategic and effective than targeting a single independent candidate.
Internal Competition: Within a party, there can be competition among factions or individual members for influence and positions. This internal competition can create opportunities for bribery as individuals or groups seek to outmaneuver each other or secure advantageous positions.
3. Funding and Financial Opacity
Campaign Financing: Parties often receive large amounts of campaign donations and funding from various sources. The handling of these funds can sometimes be opaque, making it easier for corrupt practices to occur. Large sums of money can be used to bribe party officials or sway decisions on candidate nominations and policy positions.
Party Infrastructure: The extensive infrastructure that parties maintain, including fundraising mechanisms, party committees, and donor networks, can be leveraged to funnel illicit funds or bribes. This complexity can make it difficult to track and regulate financial transactions.
4. Candidate Selection and Endorsements
Influence over Nominations: Parties control the nomination process for candidates in elections, which means that bribing party leaders or decision-makers can influence who gets nominated. This is particularly significant in closed primaries or situations where the party holds significant sway over electoral outcomes.
Access to Political Positions: By bribing party officials, individuals or groups can gain access to political positions or influence policy decisions. This is because party leadership often has substantial control over policy agendas and government appointments.
5. Party Loyalty and Discipline
Enforcement of Loyalty: Parties can enforce loyalty and discipline among their members. Bribery can be used to ensure compliance with party lines or to prevent dissent within the ranks. This enforcement can be more systematic and coordinated compared to the more individualistic approach of independent candidates.
Control Over Patronage: Parties often have control over various forms of patronage, such as government contracts, appointments, and other perks. Bribery can be used to influence who benefits from these opportunities, creating a system where corruption can flourish.
6. Network of Relationships
Broader Networks: Parties have extensive networks of relationships with other political entities, interest groups, and stakeholders. Bribery can involve complex networks and require engaging with multiple actors within the party structure, increasing the potential for corrupt practices.
Coalitions and Alliances: Parties frequently form coalitions or alliances, which can involve negotiations and compromises. Bribery can be used to influence these negotiations and secure favorable terms or positions within the coalition.
7. Lack of Transparency and Oversight
Limited Transparency: In many cases, party operations and financial dealings may lack transparency. This can make it easier to conduct corrupt activities without detection. Independent candidates might not have such extensive operations or resources, which can reduce opportunities for bribery.
Regulatory Gaps: The oversight of party activities and finances can sometimes be weak or ineffective. Regulatory gaps and inadequate enforcement mechanisms can make it easier for bribery and other corrupt practices to go unchecked.
Summary
In summary, political parties’ structured hierarchy, centralized control over resources, complex decision-making processes, and broader networks make them more susceptible to bribery compared to independent candidates. The concentration of power and financial resources within parties can create multiple opportunities for corrupt practices, making it a significant challenge for ensuring transparency and integrity in political systems.
Links
If you would like to learn more about other ways in which political parties are corrosive to the democratic process the following links are worth followng.