Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin’s Snuff Box to Citizens United

Name: Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin’s Snuff Box to Citizens United
Price: 18.90 USD
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Rating: 4.4 (229 reviews)

4.4 of 5 Stars: Legal History - Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin’s Snuff Box to Citizens United

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Book Synopsis: When Louis XVI presented Benjamin Franklin with a snuff box encrusted with diamonds and inset with the King’s portrait, the gift troubled Americans: it threatened to “corrupt” Franklin by clouding his judgment or altering his attitude toward the French in subtle psychological ways. This broad understanding of political corruption—rooted in ideals of civic virtue—was a driving force at the Constitutional Convention.

For two centuries the framers’ ideas about corruption flourished in the courts, even in the absence of clear rules governing voters, civil officers, and elected officials. Should a law that was passed by a state legislature be overturned because half of its members were bribed? What kinds of lobbying activity were corrupt, and what kinds were legal? When does an implicit promise count as bribery? In the 1970s the U.S. Supreme Court began to narrow the definition of corruption, and the meaning has since changed dramatically. No case makes that clearer than Citizens United.

In 2010, one of the most consequential Court decisions in American political history gave wealthy corporations the right to spend unlimited money to influence elections. Justice Anthony Kennedy’s majority opinion treated corruption as nothing more than explicit bribery, a narrow conception later echoed by Chief Justice Roberts in deciding McCutcheon v. FEC in 2014. With unlimited spending transforming American politics for the worse, warns Zephyr Teachout, Citizens United and McCutcheon were not just bad law but bad history. If the American experiment in self-government is to have a future, then we must revive the traditional meaning of corruption and embrace an old ideal.

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Are you concerned about the current state of corruption in America? Look no further than "Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin’s Snuff Box to Citizens United." This captivating book takes you on a journey through history, showcasing how corruption has evolved and its impact on our society. From the gifted snuff box encrusted with diamonds that troubled Benjamin Franklin to the groundbreaking Citizens United case, this book explores the broad understanding of political corruption rooted in civic virtue. Get ready to have your eyes opened and your perspectives challenged - order your copy today and embark on a compelling exploration of corruption in America.

Unlock the secrets of corruption in America with "Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin’s Snuff Box to Citizens United." Dive into the rich history of our nation, where ideals of civic virtue were at the core of political decisions. Delve into the debates surrounding bribery, lobbying, and the influence of money in our democracy. With the U.S. Supreme Court narrowing the definition of corruption, it's time we reclaim its traditional meaning. Let Zephyr Teachout guide you through this thought-provoking analysis that will leave you yearning for a better future for our democracy. Order your copy of "Corruption in America" and be part of the movement to revive the old ideals that once shaped our nation.

Join the fight against corruption and injustice in America by reading "Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin’s Snuff Box to Citizens United." This eye-opening book exposes the negative impact of wealthy corporations being given the right to spend unlimited money on influencing elections. Discover how this landmark Citizens United case changed the course of American politics and learn why it should be seen as both bad law and bad history. By reviving our understanding of corruption and embracing the ideals of our founding fathers, we can pave the way for a better future. Order your copy of "Corruption in America" today and let your voice be heard in the battle for a more just democracy.

Ready to unravel the web of corruption that pervades American politics? Look no further than "Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin’s Snuff Box to Citizens United." This engaging book by Zephyr Teachout delves into the historical rulings and changing definitions of corruption in our nation. Explore how the meaning of corruption has evolved, following the influential Citizens United case that allowed unlimited corporate spending on elections. With thought-provoking insights and an emphasis on the importance of civic virtue, "Corruption in America" challenges readers to rethink our current state of affairs. Take action now and order your copy to be part of the movement for change.

To take a stand against corruption and be part of the fight for a better democracy, order your copy of "Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin’s Snuff Box to Citizens United" today. Learn how the ideals of civic virtue shaped the early years of our nation, only to be challenged by landmark court decisions in recent history. Let this book be your wake-up call to the dangers of unlimited spending and its impact on our democracy. Embrace the traditional meaning of corruption and join the movement for change. Order your copy now!

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