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Political Corruption In Lincoln Steffens And Theodore Roosevelt

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Lincoln Steffens and Theodore Roosevelt both have views on the political corruption. Their point of views are similar and different. Political corruption is when politicians mess up and destroy the political system. This all took place during the gilded age. The gilded age was a time period that was also known as the golden age. The gilded age contributed to political corruption. People have different views whether it was the politicians fault or the people’s fault. Lincoln Steffens believes political corruption was the people’s fault. In his point of view, he believes that we are responsible since we decided to follow them. In his article he says “The Businessman has failed in politics as he has in citizenship.”, which means he believe it’s the businessman fault.On the other hand Theodore Roosevelt believe corruption is the systems fault not the people's. In his speech he says “I believe in the election of the united states senators by direct vote .” this means he doesn’t like the system for voting. (Steffens,2) (Roosevelt,2) Steffens and Roosevelt have similar points of views. Roosevelt thinks corruption is the politicians fault and Steffens sort of believes this too. Steffens says it’s the business …show more content…

There views on political corruption are very different. In their documents, they blame either the people or the politicians. lincoln steffens blames the people. He states in his article that “ We are responsible, not our leaders, since we follow them.” which means the government isn’t responsible for political corruption. On the other hand, Teddy Roosevelt blames the politicians. He says in his speech he says “... senators should be elected by direct vote of the people instead of indirectly through the various legislatures.“ this means Roosevelt thinks our elections caused political corruption. Teddy becomes a candidate for president and suggests that we make elections more democratic. (Steffens,4)

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