Some see (and have experienced) government as a monster that can swallow the citizen (think of the Leviathan); but government has also been a spearhead (a catalyst) for positive social change that was demanded and pushed by the People, by Civil Rights movements, by groups of civil society. The same phenomenon can be said to happen in the realm of intergovernmental relations and controlling corruption. Sometimes the states have protected or promoted better and more transparent practices (against the political forces of the federal government), but sometimes it has been the federal government the one enforcing positive changes towards governance, against state and local political forces. This is in part a result of American Federalism. Please elaborate your opinion on the effectiveness of levels of government (not just branches) checking each other or interplaying in the realm of curbing and controlling fraud, waste, abuse or corruption. Please give an example of policies or mechanisms that show any of these angles.
2- Different political-philosophical currents propose different paths to achieve ethical behavior. Some argue for strict conformity to formal rules as the guiding principle to discern, and other argue there is something natural or “embedded” in human nature, and so on. Please describe three of these currents, then explain which -if any- has found inspiration (and by that promoted) by major religions. Last, describe one policy or example when you think a specific approach seems to be the underlying ethical approach. (length 3-5 paragraphs)
3- According to Alina Mungiu and Leslie Holmes, there are exogenous variables, factors, drivers or ‘anchors’ that account for variance in measurements of corruption at the cross-national level. Please mention and explain two that you agree with and explain why. Mention and explain one you don’t agree with. By agreeing I mean if you think they could be associated with corruption or not. (length 3-4 paragraphs)
4- Briefly explain the development and evolution of the GAO. Why do the book and in-class comments by your instructor and fellow students argue that today is more of a ‘think-tank’ and less focused as an event-specific agency? (4-5 paragraphs)
5- Explain two situations when we are more likely to cheat from the perspective of behavioral economist Dan Ariely (2-3 paragraphs)
6- What is the role of the press so important in controlling FWAC? What are some of the main ‘rules’ that an investigative journalist should follow to remain objective? Describe one historical or contemporary case of your choice when journalists uncover major cases of FWAC.
7- Non-profit organizations dedicated to government oversight play a huge role in controlling FWAC, sometimes helping the government in discovering wrongdoings in a specific agency or a particular part of the country. They are also a high level of organization of what is called ‘civic engagement.’ Please mention and describe two NGO’s. One of them should be an organization that helped (at least in one case) the government in saving, recovering money or discovering a crime.
8- What are the main weaknesses of the Federal Inspectors General system? (3 paragraphs)
9- Is FWAC different from street crime? What does crime theory have to say about this?
