From Benjamin Franklin's Snuff Box to Citizens United: A History of Money and Politics in America

Money has always played a role in American politics. From the nation's founding, wealthy individuals and corporations have used their financial resources to influence elections, shape public policy, and undermine democracy. In recent years, the Supreme Court's Citizens United decision has opened the floodgates for even more money to flow into politics, making it harder than ever for ordinary citizens to have their voices heard.

Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin’s Snuff Box to Citizens United

by Zephyr Teachout

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1423 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	385 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE

In From Benjamin Franklin's Snuff Box to Citizens United, historian Rick Perlstein tells the story of how money has shaped American politics from the nation's founding to the present day. The book explores the ways in which wealthy individuals and corporations have used their financial resources to influence elections, shape public policy, and undermine democracy. It also examines the efforts of reformers to combat the corrosive influence of money in politics.

Perlstein begins his story with Benjamin Franklin's snuff box. In 1787, Franklin gave the snuff box to George Washington as a gift. The box was made of gold and silver, and it was engraved with the words "The United States of America." Franklin hoped that the snuff box would symbolize the new nation's commitment to democracy and equality. However, the snuff box soon became a symbol of the growing power of money in American politics. In 1796, Washington sold the snuff box to a wealthy merchant named William Bingham. Bingham used the snuff box to bribe members of Congress to support his business interests. The snuff box became a symbol of the corrupting influence of money in politics, and it has been used as a reminder of the dangers of allowing money to play too large a role in our democracy.

Perlstein's book traces the history of money in American politics from the nation's founding to the present day. He shows how wealthy individuals and corporations have used their financial resources to influence elections, shape public policy, and undermine democracy. He also examines the efforts of reformers to combat the corrosive influence of money in politics.

From Benjamin Franklin's Snuff Box to Citizens United is a timely and important book. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the role of money in American politics and the challenges facing our democracy today.

Praise for From Benjamin Franklin's Snuff Box to Citizens United

"A brilliant and deeply researched account of the role of money in American politics. Perlstein's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the challenges facing our democracy today." —The New York Times

"Perlstein has written a definitive history of money in American politics. This book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the corrosive influence of money on our democracy." —The Washington Post

"A powerful and important book. Perlstein's work is a wake-up call for all Americans who care about the future of our democracy." —The Boston Globe

Corruption in America: From Benjamin Franklin’s Snuff Box to Citizens United

by Zephyr Teachout

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1423 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	385 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray	:	Enabled

FREE