The Role Of Government

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The Role of Government Tracy Robb SOC 120 Introduction to Ethics & Social Responsibility Nicole Hanner October 11, 2010 The Role of Government This paper explores the ethical obligations and optimal decision-making processes regarding the purpose of government. The role of government is to protect the interests of the citizens. In order to do this, members of government must adhere to an ethical code of conduct. This paper explains why this is important, provides recent examples of violations of the code of conduct, and suggests practical steps that can be taken to make government more ethical. Governmental officials can play an important role in nurturing ethical conduct in the American democratic process. Our country should have trust and confidence in the governments’ ability to protect the public interest. They are responsible for implementing and enforcing high ethical standards. The Office of Government Ethics (OGE) was established by the Ethics in Government Act of 1978. It later became its’ own agency as part of the Office of Government Ethics Reauthorization Act of 1988, on 1 October 1989. This agency exercises “leadership in the executive branch to prevent conflicts of interest on the part of Government employees and to resolve those conflicts of interest that do occur.” Our laws, regulations, and ethical principles are put into place and enforced by the government. Elected leaders must ensure that their arguments include a quality of evidence to support the decisions that are being made. The American people expect all leaders and officials to be capable and obey the same standards that are set for them. All distasteful behaviors or actions are to be regulated by the provisions of the ethics codes. Inappropriate actions or violations will be dealt with in accordance with the laws, policies,

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