Discuss the impact of political crime on social control in a society

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The term political crime refers to illegal or unethical acts involving the usurpation of

power by government officials, or illegal/unethical acts perpetrated against the

government by outsiders seeking to make a political statement, undermine the

government, or overthrow it. Government officials may use their authority unethically

or illegally for the purpose of material gain or political power. They may engage in graft

or bribery, kickbacks, or "insider" deals for financial gain. Other types of corruption

have been costly for taxpayers, including dubious use of public funds and public

property, corruption in the regulation of commercial activities (such as food inspection),

graft in zoning and land use decisions, and campaign contributions and other favors to

legislators that corrupt the legislative process. Whereas some political crimes are for

personal material gain, others (such as illegal wiretapping and political "dirty tricks")

are aimed at gaining or maintaining political office or influence. Some acts committed

by agents of the government against persons and groups believed to be threats to

national security are also classified as political crimes. Four types of political deviance

have been noted: (1) secrecy and deception designed to manipulate public opinion, (2)

abuse of power, (3) prosecution of individuals for their political activities, and (4)

official violence, such as police brutality against people of color or the use of citizens as

unwilling guinea pigs in scientific research. Political crimes also include illegal or

unethical acts perpetrated against the government by outsiders.