CORRUPTION IN THE GOVERNMENT

In politics, corruption undermines democracy and good governance by

flouting or even subverting formal processes. Corruption in elections and in
the legislature reduces accountability and distorts representation in
policymaking; corruption in the judiciary compromises the rule of law; and
corruption in publication results in the inefficient provision of services. It
violates a basic principle of republicanism regarding the centrality of civic
virtue.
More generally, corruption erodes the institutional capacity of government if
procedures are disregarded, resources are siphoned off, and public offices
are bought and sold. Corruption undermines the legitimacy of government
and such democratic values as trust and tolerance. Recent evidence
suggests that variation in the levels of corruption amongst high-income
democracies can vary significantly depending on the level of accountability
of decision-makers. Evidence from fragile states also shows that corruption
and bribery can adversely impact trust in institutions.

Corruption also generates economic distortion in the public sector by

diverting public investment into capital projects where bribes and kickbacks
are more plentiful. Officials may increase the technical complexity of public
sector projects to conceal or pave the way for such dealings, thus further
distorting investment. Corruption also lowers compliance with construction,
environmental, or other regulations, reduces the quality of government
services and infrastructure, and increases budgetary pressures on
government.

The people are charged with taxes but we end up having enefficient
implementation of road and traffic rules, lack of a flood control system, and
road constructions (they destroy some roads then immediately fix it,as a
tactic for kickback).Even if,lets say,we have a good president,it would still
be difficult for him to implement good governance practices nationwide

because the rest of the politicians would not support something that has
nothing in it for them.This problem is passed from generation to
generation,more so considering the fact that the strongest politicians form
dynasties.
Corruption impacts societies in a multitude of ways.In the worst cases,it
costs lives.Short of this, it costs people their freedom, health or money.The
cost of corruption can be divided into four main categories:political,
economic, social and environmental.

Political corruption- is the use of powers by government officials for

illegitimate private gain. An illegal act by an officeholder constitutes political
corruption only if the act is directly related to their official duties, is done
under color of law or involves trading in influence.

Economically, corruption depletes national wealth. Corrupt politicians invest

scarce public resources in projects that will line their pockets rather than
benefit communities, and prioritise high-profile projects such as dams,
power plans, pipelines and refineries over less spectacular but more urgent
infrastructure project such as schools, hospitals and roads.

Corruption is dishonesty in social, political and economic activities of

people in government and non-govermental organizations or country
comes in three basic categories namely social, political and economic
corruptions.

Environmental degradation is another consequence of corrupt system. The

lack of, or non-enforcement of, environmental regulations and legislation
means that precious natural resourment are carelessly exploited, and entire
ecological system s are ravaged. From mining, to logging , to carbon

offsets, companies across the globe continue to pay bribes in return for
unrestricted destruction.