Corruption in the United States - Essay Example

However, theoretical study shows that in the short run corruption may promote economic growth as a result of counteracting government’s failure. The failure of the government is itself a function of corruption and hence it will in the long run have detrimental effects on economic growth (Akai, Horiuchi & Sakata 29). The importance of corruption is in its ability to influence the roots of the economy. Corruption has consequences for both equity and efficiency and also erodes property rights.

It strains business institutions thus poses threats to the economic benefits attributed to it. Corruption takes place in secrecy causing complications, in the nature of economic exchange. On the contrary, some early authors viewed corruption as a necessary grease to lubricate the wheels of stagnant government administration. Similarly, many other authors demonstrate how bribes enhance public administration efficiency by minimizing the costs associated with government labor and queuing (Kaufmann 45).

Corruption is much more than a price mechanism; it causes reallocation of talents towards unproductive rent-seeking activities other than directing talents to entrepreneurial activities. In most cases, talented people compete for the highly payoffs within the economy. Micro evidence appears to suggest that corruption badly hampers development and deteriorates government performance. Corruption is vice that result to many effects affecting a large number of people (Kaufmann 45). USA is not an exception of corruption as it prevails in most of its states.

In Connecticut, administration is at substantial risk of the state’s history worst scandal in corruption. Some of Connecticut three mayors and the treasure are in prison. A former Governors deputy chief accepted gold coins in return for government’s contracts; this is a clear evidence of corruption. Another example is that of a governor in Connecticut whose cottage renovations were carried out by private corporations in Litchfield. The examples depict Connecticut as a corrupt state. Historically states such as Louisiana, Illinois, Rhode Island and New Jersey have worst reputations for corruption.

Recent statistics clearly indicate that Mississippi is the most corrupt state in USA while the least corrupt state in the country is Nebraska. Columbia is the most corrupt district in USA. However, most states are making remarkable efforts in the battle to fight corruption in order to enhance growth and development. The integrity index analyzes five key laws, which directly ensure combating corruption in the government and integrity. They include conflict of interest laws, whistleblower protection laws, gifts, trips and honoraria laws, information laws and campaign finance laws.

These laws create transparency; accountability and limits thus fight corruption. Transparency International organization is also dedicated to combating corruption in USA. The world might not understand the exact extent of corruption in USA because the Justice Department’s statistics rarely get to the public. If the Justice Department sought to publicize they masterly work, it could go a long way to stop corruption (Mauro 23). Corruption arises from various causes such as personal motivations where people give bribes so as to get unjust advantage over the rest.

Paying lower taxes, bribing to get a promotion or an