Checkpoint: The Price Of Policy In The Corporate Era
Background
Public Trust In Government, 2000-2023
As younger generations gradually become a more consequential percentage of the American voter pool, increasing distrust for conventional politics and institutions in the United States is more apparent. The relationship between public will and special interests in the modern political landscape can feel more discordant with every new policy for Millennials and Generation Z. There is a widening divide between what the people want and what gets done in Washington, and this dissonance echoes in frustrated town halls and abandoned voting booths. As of 2023, only 16 percent of Americans reported that they trusted the government to do what is right just about always, or most of the time, a near-record low. Just 29 percent of the general public believe that elected officials are honest, 72 percent think politicians are greedy, and 74 percent said their representatives do not care about their concerns. Unfortunately, these statistics are not misplaced cynicism but instead a reflection of a system stacked against the average citizen. Career politicians who are beholden to special interests, campaign cash's unwavering leverage, the incessant influence of lobbyists, and the overwhelmingly loud voices of corporations are incredibly discouraging to voters.
Career Politicians: Money And Power In Politics
Percentage Of Americans Who Feel Exhausted When They Think About Politics
For many Americans, the relentless reelection cycle in Congress often drowns out constituents' real and pressing needs. A staggering 30 percent of House Representatives and 37 percent of Senators have held their offices for twelve or more years, enabled by the myopic focus on pleasing special interest groups willing to bankroll their next campaign. Politicians are under constant pressure to secure campaign funds and votes and, as such, must prioritize the concerns of powerful special interest groups and wealthy donors over the broader electorate. This system appeases the people with the most to offer, not necessarily those who represent the needs of the everyday citizen. Modern political and partisan divides fracture Americans along ideological lines, encouraging public servants to focus on solidifying support within their party or faction. This phenomenon can result in the neglect of individuals who do not align with their representative's base, leaving those voters feeling unheard and unrepresented. In 2018, only 50 percent of adults believed that their US Representative deserved reelection, while a mere 32 percent believed that most members of Congress should get another term–––in contrast, the rate of reelection in Congress was 91 percent.
Percentage Of Americans Who Feel Angry When They Think About Politics
Furthermore, rural communities, racial minorities, or low-income groups may find their concerns overshadowed by the demands of more vocal or strategically important demographics, leading to policies that don't reflect their realities. The unfortunate consequences of neglect include unmet needs and inequities, dissatisfaction and disengagement, and polarization and extremism. These disparities can have ripple effects, perpetuating cycles of poverty and disadvantage. Feeling ignored also breeds frustration and apathy among marginalized groups, resulting in low voter turnout and diminished trust in government. Partisan divisions can create an environment where compromise and common ground are elusive, enabling more polarized discourse, legislative gridlock, and the rise of extremist mouthpieces on both sides of the political spectrum. In order to achieve a genuinely representative democracy, we must recognize and handle the needs of all constituents, not just those with the loudest voices or the deepest pockets. American politicians must move beyond catering to specific demographics or creeds and embrace a more comprehensive outlook to fundraise and formulate policy. Only then can the reputation of civil servants in the United States redeem themselves, and politics can finally reflect the demands of all Americans, as our founders meant it to.
The Disconnect: Lobbying And Large Corporations
Percentage Of Americans Who View Elected Officials As Out-Of-Touch
In Washington, DC, large enterprises maintain unprecedented power, demonstrating an uncanny ability to bend public policy to their will. Through the efforts of lobbyists, massive campaign contributions, and the revolving door between boardrooms and government offices, corporate power infiltrates the legislative process, usually at the expense of the public good. Since 1998, the top twenty spenders have paid an astounding 12.3 billion dollars to affect policy decisions, demonstrating the immense financial resources employed by various interests in the lobbying arena, potentially impacting political choices even when they diverge from public opinion. Businesses fund a complex system where lobbying promises campaign dollars and economic growth while contributions offer generous donations to eager politicians. Sometimes, these corporations double-time the political parties they claim to support, outwardly defending one piece of legislation while secretly funding its opposite. Furthermore, corporate managers also have near-unlimited agency to spend large amounts of shareholder money to influence political activity. Unfortunately, while American voters are evenly split between Democratic and Republican loyalties at 28 percent each (with independent identification at 41 percent of citizens), CEOs and wealthy people tend to identify as and donate to Republicans more often than not. Such mixed-matched endeavors exemplify how lobbying fails the American people in advocating for their best interests. As a result, the line between public interest and private gain becomes blurrier. Regulatory capture–––when a minor constituency corrupts a policymaker to serve the political interests of said entity–––can silence the voices of consumers, environmentalists, and workers, leaving them vulnerable to policies that prioritize profit over safety, clean air, or fair labor practices.
Percentage Of Americans Who View Elected Officials As Uninterested
The consequences of this corporate leverage are consistent with economic gains, as organizations usually support legislation that will eventually benefit them financially. For example, tax cuts for corporations leave public services underfunded and line the pockets of CEOs and already wealthy Americans. Environmental regulations, weakened by oil and gas giants, are watered down amidst the roar of profit margins, jeopardizing the earth's health. Industry titans endorse deregulation and drown out the appeals of consumers and workers who are left exposed to safety hazards and unfair practices. In 2019, an investigation by media reporters found that at least 10,000 bills mirrored model legislation (suggested policy championed primarily by industry and conservative groups). A significant amount of legislation suffers the imprint of powerful lobbies, while a dwindling amount reflects the desires and needs of the public. This cycle of carefully conducted disconnect must finally break so the government can finally serve the people it should represent.
Summary
Percentage Of Americans Who View Elected Officials As Self-Interested
The terrain of American politics is rough and frequently unjust, where the wishes of everyday citizens struggle to be heard over the thunderous roar of special interests and corporate influence. Four primary factors fuel this disconnect: career politicians obsessed with reelection, the relevance of wealth when campaigning, the pervasive reach of lobbyists, and the overwhelming clout of large corporations. If the American people want to reclaim our power as voters, it is necessary to call out our corrupt representatives and mitigate the dangerous power of rampant capitalism. Stricter campaign finance regulations can lessen the flow of moneyed interests, and insistence on increased transparency would call out backroom deals and hidden agendas. Empowering citizen engagement through town halls, online forums, and accessible voting initiatives is also effective. Americans should demand representatives who understand their struggles, prioritize their wants, and stand firm against the corrupter of morality that is money. No longer can they stand back as though observing a spectator sport–––a revolution of voices is required. While their apathy fuels this disconnect, collective action can bridge the gap.
