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Ethics
Public service is a public trust
Ethics
Public service is a public trust
One of the hallmarks of a healthy democracy is public confidence in the integrity of democratic institutions.
That public confidence is earned through the commitment of those in and working with government to uphold the principle that public service is a public trust. Federal, state and local governments have a responsibility to enact and enforce clear ethical guidelines and laws. Only then can public officials adequately navigate potential conflicts and be held accountable when they break the public’s trust. This system is necessary to ensure a healthy democracy.
CLC proposes solutions for stronger ethics at all levels of government, and serves as a government watchdog, holding elected officials accountable for ethics violations.
It’s a question of knowing right from wrong, avoiding conflicts of interest, bending over backwards to see that there’s not even a perception of conflict of interest.
President George H. W. Bush, January 23, 1989
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Ethics Cases and Actions
The health of our democracy depends on accountable, inclusive and transparent processes at all levels of government. CLC works with lawmakers, ethics commissions and other nonprofit groups in cities and states to provide guidance and propose solutions for stronger ethics at the state and local levels.
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Members of Congress are elected to serve their constituents’ interests. Ethics laws provide the accountability and transparency necessary to ensure that members of Congress are committed to the people rather than their own wallets. CLC proposes solutions for stronger ethics in Congress and serves as a watchdog, holding lawmakers accountable for ethics violations.
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Federal executive branch officials should make decisions with the public’s best interests in mind. Ethics laws are exist to maintain this high standard. CLC works to hold officials accountable to these laws laws and proposes stricter laws where needed to compel officials to serve the public’s interest instead of their own interests.
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Our Lawmakers Must Enact and Enforce Clear Ethical Guidelines and Laws — At All Levels
Congressional Ethics
Members of Congress must use the power of their offices for the benefit of the people, not their own personal or financial gain. CLC serves as a watchdog, holding lawmakers accountable for ethics violations.
Federal Executive Branch Ethics
Federal executive branch officials are constant targets of wealthy special interests with outsized influence. Ethics laws are necessary to provide transparency and accountability that prevent members of the executive branch from abusing power.
State & Local Ethics
The health of our democracy depends on accountable, inclusive and transparent processes at all levels of government. CLC's guidance helps ensure that local reform measures are effective and will stand up in the courts.
We Need Better Ethics in Government