Thread by @Civics4GrownUps

We all want elected officials to serve the public good, and not use high office to line their own pockets.

⚡️ RT - THREAD on Public Corruption.

Despite the incredibly cynical rhetoric out there, most public servants don’t abuse the public trust that way.

Why don’t they? Is it because they’re great people? Hmm…

As James Madison so eloquently put it, “If men were angels, no government would be necessary. If angels were to govern men, neither external nor internal controls would be necessary…

More Madison: “A dependence on the people is, no doubt, the primary control on the government; but experience has taught mankind the necessity of auxiliary precautions.” (Federalist 51) In other words, elections are the primary control on elected officials, but we can add others.

Madison thought the separation of powers itself would help keep elected officials focused on the public good…(not so sure about that ourselves) but there are other “auxiliary precautions”:

👉🏽 Anti-bribery laws, so that public servants who use their public office in exchange for private favors can be prosecuted
👉🏽 (Fun fact: rooting out public corruption is one of the main goals listed in the mission of the FBI)

👉🏽 Rules that require public transparency surrounding the personal finances of members of Congress
👉🏽 Laws that require transparency surrounding the campaign activities of federal officials

👉🏽 A free press, supported by courts that uphold 1st amendment protections for reporters who investigate potential conflicts of interest
👉🏽 Public and transparent votes and meetings so that the public can see the reasoning behind important decisions

Yes, it does seem like these auxiliary precautions, there to keep officials honest and focused on the public good, are not operating so well these days.

That’s how these things go--checks on the abuse of government power aren’t put there by accident--they are put there and renewed because...

The public demands it.