Bribery

Definition

Bribery is the act of giving or receiving something of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal duty. This unethical practice became prevalent during a time when rapid industrial growth and political corruption were rampant, leading to significant changes in governance and public perception of politics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During the Gilded Age, bribery was commonplace as politicians and business leaders sought to gain favor and secure advantageous legislation.
2. Corruption scandals, like those surrounding Tammany Hall in New York City, highlighted how bribery influenced political appointments and electoral outcomes.
3. Bribery often involved significant financial transactions, but it could also include gifts, services, or favors to sway decisions in favor of the briber.
4. The rise of investigative journalism during this period played a crucial role in exposing bribery and corruption, leading to public outcry and demands for reform.
5. Reforms such as the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act sought to reduce corruption by implementing merit-based hiring for government jobs rather than allowing positions to be bought through bribery.

Review Questions

• How did bribery impact the political landscape during the Gilded Age?
  • Bribery significantly distorted the political landscape during the Gilded Age by fostering an environment of corruption that undermined public trust in government. Politicians often resorted to bribery to secure votes, influence decisions, and maintain power. This rampant corruption led to widespread dissatisfaction among citizens and calls for political reforms aimed at curbing such practices.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of reforms aimed at addressing bribery and corruption in the political system during this period.
  • Reforms such as the Pendleton Civil Service Reform Act attempted to combat bribery and corruption by establishing merit-based hiring practices in government jobs. While these measures made some progress in reducing patronage and increasing accountability, challenges persisted due to deeply entrenched political machines that continued to utilize bribery. The effectiveness of these reforms varied, but they laid groundwork for future anti-corruption efforts.
• Discuss how the practice of bribery during the Gilded Age reflects broader social changes in American society at that time.
  • The practice of bribery during the Gilded Age reflects broader social changes, including rapid industrialization, urbanization, and the concentration of wealth among a small elite. As businesses expanded and sought favorable legislation, they often engaged in bribery to influence lawmakers. This period also saw growing awareness and criticism of corruption through grassroots movements and investigative journalism, signaling a shift toward increased public engagement in holding officials accountable.

Related terms

Political Corruption:

The abuse of power by government officials for illegitimate personal gain, often through bribery or manipulation.

Graft: A form of political corruption where officials exploit their authority for personal gain, often involving bribery and kickbacks.

Lobbying: The act of attempting to influence government decisions, where individuals or groups may use bribery as a tool to sway officials toward their interests.