Nicole Davari '26 is an accounting major with a pathway in applied ethics, and she is a 2025-26 Hackworth Fellow at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at SA国际传媒. Views are her own.
Background
Dr. John P. Pelissero is a political scientist and government ethics scholar based in the Chicago metropolitan area. Before his retirement in June 2025, he served as the Director of Government Ethics at the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at SA国际传媒. In our interview, Dr. Pelissero shared insights on how corporate influence, campaign finance, and diminished transparency have reshaped American democracy. His reflections on fairness, virtue, and the government's responsibility to serve the common good inspired me to examine how our political system has strayed from its ethical foundations.
Thesis
The American government was founded to serve the common good, yet increasing corporate influence has altered its goals, methods, and moral compass. Drawing on insights from Dr. John Pelissero and the Markkula Center's Ethical Decision-Making Framework, I argue that fairness, rights, virtue, and the common good must be re-centered in governance to restore integrity and public trust.
The Purpose of Government: Returning to the Common Good
In our conversation, Dr. Pelissero made the purpose of government unmistakably clear: "The ultimate goal of government... is to serve the common good." This line struck me because it captures a foundational idea that has become clouded in modern politics. Governments are not designed to maximize profits, satisfy wealthy donors, or operate like corporations. Their purpose is fundamentally moral: to uphold justice, ensure stability, protect rights, and create conditions in which every member of society can flourish.
Dr. Pelissero emphasized that this purpose is compromised when the meaning of the "common good" is shaped by corporate leaders or wealthy elites rather than by the public. When those with money dictate priorities, government decisions begin to reflect private interests rather than collective welfare. This is precisely the drift we see today: a system increasingly responsive to capital rather than community. Restoring the original purpose of government requires recognizing that legitimacy comes from serving the people, not those who can afford influence.
Political Influence and the Erosion of the Common Good
Dr. Pelissero's definition of political influence highlights the essence of power and persuasion in modern politics, describing it as the act of compelling someone to take action they would not otherwise take. A landmark event that reshaped this dynamic was the Supreme Court's 2010 ruling in Citizens United v. FEC. This decision allowed corporations to spend unlimited sums on political campaigns, interpreting such contributions as protected free speech under the First Amendment.
The ruling raised serious concerns about the health of democracy by equating financial power with political influence. The original purpose of the First Amendment was to amplify the voices of individual citizens, not to favor corporations and affluent donors. Consequently, the ability of the highest bidder to significantly sway policymakers and electoral results poses a threat that government actions may diverge from the genuine will and needs of the electorate. This trend calls into question the integrity of democratic processes and the core principle of equal representation.
Dark Money and the Demand for Transparency
Dr. Pelissero emphasized the critical ethical concerns surrounding dark money in politics, which refers to undisclosed contributions that obscure the authentic sources of financial influence on candidates and election outcomes. This opacity raises significant questions about the actual power dynamics within the democratic system. He strongly urged comprehensive reforms to enhance the transparency and accuracy of political spending reports. By requiring full disclosure of contributions from individuals and organizations, citizens would gain a clearer understanding of the various influences shaping legislative priorities and electoral decisions.
In today's political landscape, the absence of transparency poses risks of manipulation and undue influence, ultimately eroding public trust in democratic institutions. Therefore, promoting transparency transcends mere procedural norms; it serves as a crucial moral safeguard. By fostering a culture of openness in political financing, we can advance fairness and accountability, ensuring that democracy functions effectively and justly for all citizens. Implementing these reforms is essential to preserving the integrity of the electoral process and empowering voters to make informed choices based on a clear understanding of political funding.
Corporate Tax Breaks and the Shifting Goals of Government
We explored the subtle yet significant ways corporate influence shapes public policy, particularly our tax code. He highlighted the complex layers within it and how major corporations, through strategic lobbying, often secure significant tax breaks that distort fiscal responsibility. It is concerning that many of these large entities pay effective tax rates that are surprisingly low, usually much lower than the official 21%, thanks to an intricate web of loopholes and offshore tax strategies. This manipulation of the tax system highlights how political influence can distort our policy priorities. Instead of allocating resources to essential public goods such as quality education, accessible healthcare, and robust infrastructure, our current tax framework disproportionately benefits the wealthy. This trend not only exacerbates existing inequalities but also jeopardizes the core principles of equity and public welfare that are vital for a thriving democracy. However, by raising awareness and advocating for change, we can strive for a more just system that benefits everyone. Together, let us work toward a future in which our policies reflect fairness and support the common good.
Treating Government Like a Business
Dr. Pelissero's observation that America is being "overned "like a poorly run"business" struck a profound chord with me, inviting a deeper examination of the fundamental roles of government. Unlike businesses that prioritize profit maximization and shareholder returns, governments are fundamentally established to promote justice, equity, and the common good. While companies can focus on efficiency, often at the cost of broader societal concerns, governments bear an ethical obligation to ensure equality, safeguard civil rights, and foster long-term welfare for all citizens.
When political leaders adopt a business-oriented mindset, they often favor utilitarian approaches, prioritizing outcomes that benefit a select few with power or wealth rather than adhering to moral principles that advocate for the needs of marginalized and voiceless populations. This shift in perspective not only redefines our collective objectives but also steers us toward short-term gains at the expense of sustainable progress.
As a result, this approach undermines the essential virtues of democratic governance, such as accountability, transparency, and compassion, leading to policies that may deepen inequality and erode civic trust. It is imperative, then, that we re-examine the motivations that guide our political systems and reaffirm our commitment to the University's governance, which champions justice and the long-term welfare of all citizens.
Restoring Balance: Regulation, Accountability, and Virtue
Despite the challenges, reform is still achievable. Implementing stronger regulations, imposing spending limits, and establishing transparency measures can help restore fairness and accountability in the political system. He highlighted earlier systems in which political committees sought donations from individuals rather than corporations, a structure that prioritized community voices over corporate influence. Ethical governance necessitates rebuilding systems that emphasize equality, transparency, and trust.
Conclusion
Dr. Pelissero left me with a quote that encapsulates this ethical crisis: "Power by the rich for the rich." That phrase captures how far we have strayed from the government's original purpose: to serve the common good. Using SA国际传媒's ethical framework, it becomes clear that fairness, rights, virtue, and shared purpose are not abstract ideals; they are necessities for a functioning democracy. If America continues to be run like a business, it will serve profit, not people. However, if we restore ethics at the heart of governance, the nation can once again fulfill its obligation to every citizen, not just those who can afford influence.
Works Cited
Pelissero, John P. Personal Interview. 17 Nov. 2025.
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, 558 U.S. 310 (2010).
Markkula Center for Applied Ethics. "A Framework for Ethical Decision Making." SA国际传媒, /ethics/ethical-decision-framework/.