Graft
A form of political corruption, the use of a politician's authority for personal gain
Real World Example
During the period of Immigration and Urbanization from 1880-1915, graft was a significant issue as many politicians exploited their power to benefit from the rapid growth and changes in cities. As immigrants flooded into urban areas, there were many opportunities for corrupt officials to manipulate city resources, such as awarding contracts for public works, in exchange for bribes or kickbacks. This form of corruption was crucial at the time because it highlighted the lack of oversight and accountability in government, often leading to poor public services and trust issues. Today, graft remains relevant as it can undermine democracy and public trust in government institutions by diverting resources meant for public welfare. A modern example could be a city official accepting bribes to approve construction projects that may not meet safety standards, directly affecting the community's well-being and safety.
