Why does America have so many aspects of their government set up to encourage corruption?

"Democracies avoid corruption"? How did you come up with that? Have you ever heard of the Bush Administration? That is the epitome of organized crime. Have you ever wondered why most politicians are millionaires and make less money in their elected positions than they would otherwise make? Corruption is the reason why.

There is a place for "Act of Grace" decisions. Once someone is convicted it can be very difficult to correct that if it was wrong. But presidents have used the power like a water cannon as their presidency ends. Nixon even thought that the president couldn't commit a crime. Nixon was pardoned by Gerald Ford, but I think that some now see this as being essential to heal the wounds.

The systems of checks and balances have been subverted by jingoistic notions of national security etc. Politicians try to get re-elected, so they don;t spend as much time scrutinising legislation.

A paradox is that since nearly every American official is elected, you actually have less democracy. To be elected you must be a member of a political party. (How many independents get voted in?) So a member of one party is the Returning Officer in charge of the elections in that state. Is that person always going to uphold the law, or try to get their man in? It would make more sense to appoint officials, so that they don't have to engage in the political machine for their own survival.

The US had to react to Enron etc., and introduce tough laws of disclosure for business. Strange how similar measures for political donations keep getting voted down.

well, though I don't agree with the president having that power, I assure you he wouldn't not be able to use it under the radar. If the president pardoned a criminal more than a few investigations and articles would be engendered. If the president ever did pardon a convicted criminal without a legitimate reason, it would most likely lead to the impeaching of the president

Well the people are meant to police the government and not the other way around.

As far as the president pardoning people. It is his power to control Congress and the Supreme Courts.

A great example is Scooter Libby. If anyone paid close attention to his trial particularly what he was charged with and what he was convicted for ( not the same thing).

Congress can theoretically attack the president and his staff with out limit. Therefore the President can exercises his right to pardon.

It is a protection from the corruption in congress.

People hate Bush and claim he should be impeached. We have a democrat majority that hates him in congress but they wont try, because he "illegal activity" is not illegal.

This president has offered twice as many documents to Congressional review than any other president EVER, So what you see is the Libs attacking his staff. Making it impossible for them to do their job because of constant investigations that never turn up any criminal activities.

Intruder is 100% correct.

I might add that Gerald Ford used it to begin the healing of a nation after Nixon resigned.

Libby's conviction was a vindictive attempt to nail SOMEONE with SOMETHING.

Considering everyone likes to point the finger at Bush... I think they should research which President pardoned more people than anyone else in history to this point...

We have a particular political party that believes heavily in de-regulation. That means fewer laws, usually affecting the rich, so they can get away with more, or sell things that are dangerous, of little value, or breaks quickly, and its our tough luck. Same political party discourages thinking within its party, expects slavish following and support, and says "just trust us".

Never trust anyone who says, "Trust me".

NOW DAYS, America's society is totally messed up!!

In any aspect you look at it!

BTW, bush has been having "the greatest" contribution EVER to expand this corruption!