Some Ethical Problems of Congress

Abstract

A recent Gallup poll illustrates the fact that the profession of politics continues to be held in low esteem by the American public, an opinion probably reinforced by the Bobby Baker case. The President has issued an Executive Order set ting high standards for federal government employees, but Con gress lags behind the Executive branch. Among the ethical problems which confront the congressman are obligations in curred during the campaign; pressures from constituents, both as individuals and as groups; the conflicts which sometimes occur between the national interest and that of his district; low ethical conduct on the part of some colleagues; and occasional conflict between the real interests of his constituents and their expressed ideas as to what those interests are. There are four general areas where reform is needed to raise the ethical stand ards of Congress and its reputation with the public: legisla tion requiring comprehensive disclosure of the congressman's finances; legislation overhauling laws dealing with election campaign finances; diminution of the errand-boy aspects of the congressman's job; and elimination of political patronage at the federal level. Politics is a fundamental activity of our society, and if its ethical practice is not at as high a level as we might wish, the fault is in ourselves.—Ed.