NCJ Number
72042
Date Published
1975
Length
67 pages
Annotation
The study discusses corruption within presidential administrations in periods of war, from the Civil War through Watergate, and suggests ways to deter congressional corruption.
Abstract
The most severe crimes were perpetrated against democracy in the United States during wartime when the masses relied heavily on politicians for leadership, and attention was focused on the war rather than internal politics. Beginning with a description of the entrenched patronage system and the opportunities for misconduct created by the Civil War in Lincoln's administration, the paper then considers the second term of Woodrow Wilson during World War I. As in Lincoln's time, evidence of fraud or corruption was never directly linked with the President, but the administration's program to bring American executives to Washington to advise on mobilization plans created opportunities for these businessmen to make excessive profits on Government contracts. Franklin Roosevelt managed to establish a fairly honest administration, although some high level officials profited from wartime contracts, and members of his family were criticized frequently for abusing their position. In contrast, allegations of misconduct were frequent during the Truman years, and the President refused to disavow friends or associates whose activities were questionable and embarrassing. As Kennedy and Johnson led the nation into the unpopular Vietnam war, attempts were made to conceal scandals involving their aides under the guide of national security. This was exemplified in the 8-year investigation of the TFX fighter-bomber contract. Following a summary of the Watergate break-in and its consequences, the paper focuses on John Dean and his personal as well as political feelings about these events. Dean's career is described, and an unpublished interview conducted a few days before his prison term began is presented. The thesis concludes that political corruption is rampant and will continue as long as the populace has sufficient material comforts that they are not interested in challenging the political system. Proposals to stem corruption include disclosure statements by Congressmen and strict limits on the outside activities of public officials. References are provided.