Money’s Overwhelming Influence on American Politics: An Oligarchic and Plutocratic Society

Introduction

The United States is often described as an oligarchy, where political outcomes are heavily influenced by those who have unlimited access to political bribery. This article examines the significant role of money in American politics, the impact of corporate interests on legislation, and the need for campaign finance reform.

The Oligarchic Reality of American Politics

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter stated that the USA is an oligarchy with unlimited political bribery. Elections, which require funding, are typically driven by those who are willing to invest in political campaigns. This means that both corporations, considered persons in their own right, and billionaires can freely donate to political candidates. Additionally, foreign entities can also contribute, making the situation even more complex and potentially corrupt. The 2014 Citizens United case further legalized this form of corruption under the guise of free speech.

The Institutionalization of Plutocracy

The relationship between politics and money has become so intertwined that many argue the U.S. is now a plutocracy. This term refers to a society where the rich have disproportionate control over the political system. The lack of transparency and the absence of legal limits on donations exacerbate the issue. The legal system has been used to justify corruption, highlighting the disconnect between the principles of democracy and the reality of political operations.

The Impact of Money on Legislation

Most American politicians spend a greater portion of their time raising campaign finance rather than engaging in actual politics. This imbalance has resulted in a significant disconnection between the laws that are created and the concerns of the general public. Instead, laws are often shaped to cater to the interests of large corporations, leading to a system where the voices of the majority are drowned out by those with deep pockets.

The Need for Transparency and Reform

The current system of campaign finance is plagued by a lack of transparency and fairness. Corporations and billionaires have used their financial leverage to shape political outcomes, while taxpayers are not involved in the decision-making process. The need for reform is clear, as the existing mechanisms are fraught with corruption.

Proposed Solutions

To address the issue of money in politics, several reforms can be implemented:

Public Funding of Campaigns: Public funding of campaigns is already in place, but it is currently managed inefficiently through middlemen. Direct public funding could drastically reduce the influence of wealthy donors. Every American would receive a voucher to fund the campaign of their chosen candidate, with a cap on the total amount each candidate can receive. Prohibition of Lobbying: The current system allows government contractors to lobby politicians and contribute to campaigns for ten years after leaving office, depending on the level of government. This should be completely banned to ensure the integrity of the political process. Elimination of Middlemen: Cutting out the middlemen would mean that every American has direct control over the funding of their elected representatives, ensuring that the interests of the many are prioritized over those of a few.

Conclusion

The influence of money on American politics is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The need for transparency, accountability, and democracy cannot be overstated. By implementing reforms, such as public funding of campaigns and stricter regulations on lobbying, we can begin to address the deep-seated issues that undermine the democratic process.