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Problems with conventional definitions of political corruption are highlighted to better define such political behavior. Three categories are identified: corruption by public officials; public officials' abuse of their offices; & corruption by business enterprises & other private citizens. Political corruption is not perceived as a seminal characteristic of organized crime syndicates. Various legal, public interest, & public opinion definitions of political corruption are examined, further demonstrating the problem of preserving traditional definitions. Analysis of several public opinion definitions of corruption indicates significant differences in how the public defines political corruption & that these notions have changed over time. In addition, different nations posses disparate legal, public interest, & public opinion understandings of political corruption. The need to acknowledge the legitimacy of multiple definitions of corruption is stressed. 22 References. J. W. Parker

Operation of large-scale gambling by crime syndicates requires both a popular desire to consume illegal services and at least tacit acceptance by local officials. In "Wincanton," a middle-sized industrial city, city officials were paid to overlook gambling, and also engaged in other corrupt activities. A survey of city residents indicated general tolerance or approval of gambling, but hostility toward all forms of official corruption. When corruption was exposed by federal investigators, Wincanton voters elected reform candidates for local offices. Analysis of voting patterns indi cates that voting in reform elections parallels normal party voting patterns; a constant proportion of voters in each pre cinct in the city will deviate from their normal party allegiance following exposures of corruption.

Operation of large-scale gambling by crime syndicates requires both a popular desire to consume illegal services & at least tacit acceptance by local officials. In 'Wincanton,' a middle-sized industr city, city officials were paid to overlook gambling, & also engaged in other corrupt activities. A survey of city residents indicated general tolerance or approval of gambling, but hostility toward all forms of official corruption. When corruption was exposed by federal investigators, Wincanton voters elected reform candidates for local offices. Analysis of voting patterns indicates that voting in reform elections parallels normal party voting patterns; a constant %o of voters in each precinct in the city will deviate from their normal party allegiance following exposures of corruption. HA.