The Political Machine: Corruption And Organized Crime In The United States

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The Political Machine Throughout history, corruption and conspiracy has been a long standing practice behind American politics. In the early years of this Nations government, politicians would have to raise a few hundred dollars in order to run for political office. Today that amount is tens of millions of dollars and even then it does not guarantee a place on the ballot. Running a political campaign is not only expensive but time consuming, morally challenging, and often times publicly degrading. The answer to circumventing these stressors for many politicians is to have someone behind the scenes to do the “dirty work” for them. The political machine is a term used to describe organizations that provide social services, jobs, protection,…show more content…
(Pileggi, 1986). In the past, crime group members would often slip money to politicians under the table; more recently companies linked to organized crime groups have made political contributions openly and legitimately. This fact alone proves that organized crime groups are growing bolder and less afraid of the legal consequences of their criminal actions. By allowing criminal organizations to gain an influence in the Nation’s political elections, political machines are assisting the criminal organizations in growing more powerful and more dangerous than ever before. Political corruption does not stop with the politicians. Criminal organizations are gaining influence and control over police commissioners, judges, prosecutors, customs agents and other very influential parties. By controlling the politicians, crime groups are able to sway the outcomes of court trials; they are able to import illegal contraband into the country and are able to commit criminal acts while law enforcement officials look the other way. Simply put, organized crime is gradually gaining control over this country and its…show more content…
However, convictions are rare due to the careful cover-up of evidence and a lack of reliable witnesses. One example of common behavior among organized crime groups is community manipulation. By offering threats of harm or promises of protection to the surrounding citizens of the community the organized crime group gains power and the ability to continue their criminal activity with a lesser chance of being caught. Law enforcement relies heavily on information from citizens while conducting criminal investigations. Organized crime participants are master manipulators and can easily instill fear in the citizens within the area. This fear is often times enough to keep innocent people quiet when being questioned by law enforcement. This practice has helped organized crime not only survive but evolve within the United States. In addition, when the criminal group has the assistance of local law enforcement and judicial officials, it becomes common for a criminal case to end in a dismissal. In conclusion, it can be said that crime and politics have existed in America for decades, Money, and power are both present in crime and politics. Although this connection has been an active part of the growth of this nation’s government it is not an ethical answer. Although the transfer of money may assist in the rise of the Nation’s economy, the country will fall

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