SCOPE:

Political scandals begin with various forms of wrongdoing by public officials. Money is often at the center of scandals in which politicians exploit their public office for private gain. Some scandals stem from acts of private misconduct, such as sexual misbehavior. Others involve abuses of government power that jeopardize people's rights and (in America) violate the U.S. Constitution.

What accounts for the importance of scandals in current American politics? One possible answer is that the character of people in politics is worse than in earlier eras. However, many political observers believe that the current generation of leaders is no better or worse than previous generations.  They argue that it is public awareness of scandalous activities that has grown. Two reasons for this are the changing role of the press and increased partisanship in Congress and the rest of government.  (Opposing Viewpoints) 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The following sources will allow you to become more familiar with your topic, will give you ideas for narrowing your topic, and will serve as a starting point for your further research.

SPEECH TABLE ITEMS
CQ Researcher  Issues
    Campaign Finance Showdown 2002 p.969+
    Campaign Finance Reform 2000 p.257+
    Independent Counsels Re-examined 1999 p.377+
    Partisan Politics 1999 p.233+   

Political Scandals: opposing viewpoints

Politics in America: opposing viewpoints

Mass Media: opposing viewpoints

Taking Sides: Clashing views on controversial political issues

REFERENCE ITEMS
International Encyclopedia of Social Sciences
REF H 40 .A2 I5

Encyclopedia of the United States Congress
REF JK 1067 .E63

Congress Investigates
REF JK 1123 .A2 S34

CQ Guide to the Presidency
REF JK 516 .C57  

SUGGESTED TOPICS:

This topic is one which can be studied from a number of aspects and points of view. Some of these might be:

• Is unethical behavior a serious problem?

• Is too much money spent on political campaigns?
• Should members of congress accept gifts from lobbyists?
• Do interest groups gain too much influence through campaign contributions?
• Are lobbyists useful?
• Should campaigns be financed or subsidized by public funds?
• Should "soft money" be regulated?
• Are current campaign finance laws effective?
• Should campaign finance laws be tightened?
• Are PACs corrupting the political system?
• Would term limitations improve political leadership?
• Is the news media too aggressive in probing the private lives of politicians?
• Does the public have a right to be informed about the private lives of candidates?
• Is an extramarital affair relevant to a politician's ability to handle public office?
• Does media coverage of sex scandals lower standards of quality journalism?
• Is the special prosecutor system too powerful?
• Is the obsession with uncovering corruption hurting the political system?
• Does the media devote too much attention to political scandals?
• Has congress misused its power to investigate allegations of wrong doing?
• Can the Federal Election Commission or the Congressional Ethics Committee regulate ethical conduct?
• Was President Clinton's Impeachment justified?
• How serious is the problem of political scandals in America?
• What reforms could prevent political corruption?
• How relevant is private morality in public office?