Bribery

Definition

Bribery is the act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of something of value to influence the judgment or conduct of a person in a position of power or trust. It is a form of corruption that undermines the integrity of institutions and decision-making processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Bribery was a widespread practice in Postbellum America, where politicians and government officials often accepted payments or favors in exchange for political influence and decision-making power.
2. The rise of powerful industrial monopolies and the growth of big business in the late 19th century led to increased bribery and corruption, as corporations sought to influence legislation and regulatory decisions.
3. The Crédit Mobilier scandal of the 1870s was a major bribery scandal that involved members of Congress accepting kickbacks from a construction company in exchange for favorable contracts and legislation.
4. The Whiskey Ring scandal of the 1870s exposed a widespread network of bribery and tax evasion involving distillers, government officials, and the Republican administration of President Ulysses S. Grant.
5. Bribery and corruption were not limited to the federal government, as state and local governments also faced widespread issues with political machines and the exchange of favors for political support.

Review Questions

• Explain how bribery contributed to political corruption in Postbellum America.
  • Bribery was a significant factor in the political corruption that plagued Postbellum America. Powerful industrial monopolies and corporations often bribed politicians and government officials to influence legislation, regulatory decisions, and the awarding of lucrative contracts. This undermined the integrity of the political process and allowed special interests to shape policies and decisions for their own benefit, rather than the public good. The Crédit Mobilier and Whiskey Ring scandals are two prominent examples of how bribery and corruption were used to subvert the democratic process during this period.
• Analyze the role of patronage and cronyism in facilitating bribery and corruption in Postbellum America.
  • Patronage and cronyism were closely linked to the prevalence of bribery and corruption in Postbellum America. The practice of political leaders appointing friends, associates, and supporters to positions of power, often without regard for their qualifications, created an environment where quid pro quo arrangements and the exchange of favors were common. This allowed individuals and organizations to gain influence and access to decision-makers through personal connections and the promise of political support, rather than merit or the public interest. The rise of powerful political machines and the use of patronage to build and maintain political power further entrenched these unethical practices, contributing to the broader culture of corruption that characterized the Postbellum period.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of bribery and corruption on the political and economic development of the United States in the Postbellum era.
  • The widespread bribery and corruption that plagued Postbellum America had significant long-term consequences for the country's political and economic development. The undermining of democratic institutions and the subversion of the policymaking process by special interests and corrupt officials eroded public trust in government and hindered the ability of the political system to effectively address the challenges facing the nation. This, in turn, contributed to the consolidation of economic power in the hands of a few industrial monopolies, as they were able to use bribery and political influence to stifle competition and maintain their dominance. The lasting impact of this corruption was the entrenchment of a system that favored the wealthy and powerful at the expense of the broader public, setting the stage for the Progressive Era reforms that sought to address these issues in the early 20th century.

Related terms

Corruption: The abuse of entrusted power for private gain, often involving bribery, embezzlement, or other unethical practices.

Patronage:

The practice of a person in power providing jobs, contracts, or other benefits to individuals or groups in exchange for political support or loyalty.

Cronyism: The practice of appointing friends or associates to positions of power or influence, often without regard for their qualifications.