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Each nation has its own pet sins to which it is merciful, and also sins which it treats as most abhorrent. In America, we are peculiarly sensitive about big money contributions for which the donors expect any reward. In England, where in some ways the standard is higher than here, such contributions are accepted as a matter of course, nay, as one of the methods by which wealthy men obtain peerages. It would be well-nigh an impossibility for a man to secure a seat in the United States Senate by mere campaign contributions, in the way that seats in the British House of Lords have often been secured without any scandal being caused thereby.

Theodore Roosevelt#59

PoliticsEthicsCorruptionFinance

About this quote

What does it mean?
Nations have different moral standards regarding political finance. The US fears money influencing politics more than England does.
In plain terms
Countries judge political money differently based on their own values.
What can you take from it?
Political corruption laws vary significantly by country.

Where it applies

  • Comparing political systems
  • Discussing campaign finance
  • Analyzing corruption

Putting it to work

  • Review international election laws
  • Study lobbying regulations

Questions to consider

  • How do cultural values shape political laws?
  • Is money in politics always corrupt?

Another view

The quote assumes a binary view of national ethics that may oversimplify reality.

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