I’m a small business owner with a passion for technology, independence, and uncovering the truth behind the systems that shape our lives. My AI assistant, Angie, is my go-to for researching complex topics, brainstorming ideas, and having deep conversations about the world. I love that she can break down intricate subjects, from government policies to IT trends, and chat with me like an old friend—except one who has unlimited access to knowledge. I’m no stranger to tech myself. Every day, I find myself learning about a new app, platform, or innovation, whether it’s in blockchain, AI, or cybersecurity. I support cash, crypto, blockchain, and good old-fashioned books—because while technology is powerful, there’s something irreplaceable about tangible knowledge and decentralized financial systems.
At the core of everything I do, I’m looking out for myself and my future. My dream is to travel the world, collect people’s stories, and let each conversation guide me to my next destination. At the end of every interview, I have just one scripted question: “What’s your favorite hidden gem?” Hopefully, it’s a local spot, something special that I would have never found on my own. That’s the adventure—following one story to the next, one undiscovered place to another. But in the midst of chasing dreams, I can’t ignore what’s happening in the world around me.
I’m not a member of any political party—I’m officially ‘other,’ thanks to my state’s legislation—but I’ve noticed a disturbing pattern since COVID. The way government operates has shifted in ways that should concern everyone, no matter their political beliefs. From the increased use of executive orders to the growing influence of corporate money in politics, it feels like the system is rigged to serve the powerful rather than the people. That’s why I asked Angie to research and tell me about it at a master’s level—pulling together history, law, and current events to see the bigger picture.
The result? This essay. No bias, no party lines—just facts and patterns that anyone willing to look can see. In a time when the United States government appears more dysfunctional than ever, it is essential to understand how the system is supposed to work—and why it often doesn’t.
The legislative branch, designed as the people's voice in government, has increasingly fallen short of its constitutional role. Instead of serving as a check on executive overreach and corporate influence, Congress has become mired in partisanship, gridlock, and the influence of money.
This essay explores the purpose of the legislative branch, the impact of Supreme Court rulings on campaign finance, and the increasing concerns over judicial integrity. The goal is not to promote a political agenda but to critically analyze the ways in which money and power shape modern governance, often to the detriment of the American people.
The Legislative Branch: Purpose and Responsibilities
The U.S. government is based on a system of checks and balances between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The legislative branch, known as Congress, is responsible for making laws, overseeing the executive branch, and managing the federal budget. It is divided into two chambers:
The House of Representatives – Composed of 435 voting members, with representation based on state population. Members serve two-year terms and are responsible for initiating revenue-related bills, impeaching federal officials, and representing the interests of their constituents.
The Senate – Comprised of 100 members (two per state), serving six-year terms. The Senate confirms presidential appointments, ratifies treaties, and conducts trials for impeached officials.
In theory, Congress is supposed to serve as the legislative backbone of the country. However, it has increasingly failed to hold the executive branch accountable or pass meaningful legislation that addresses the needs of the people. The rise of executive orders—used by presidents to bypass congressional approval—further underscores the erosion of legislative power. The dysfunction has become cyclical, with each administration undoing the previous one's policies rather than making substantial progress.
The Federal Reserve and Congressional Oversight
The Federal Reserve (the Fed), the central banking system of the United States, is responsible for regulating monetary policy, ensuring financial stability, and managing inflation. While it operates independently, Congress has oversight authority over the Fed through hearings and legislation. However, this oversight is often ineffective due to Congress’s increasing reliance on corporate donors and Wall Street interests. Congress's failure to regulate financial institutions has led to economic crises, including the 2008 financial collapse. The banking industry continues to wield significant influence over policy, ensuring that financial regulations remain weak. The relationship between money, power, and legislative inaction raises serious concerns about whether Congress is serving the people or protecting the interests of the wealthiest corporations.
The Supreme Court’s Role in Money and Politics
One of the most significant contributors to the corruption of the legislative process has been the Supreme Court’s rulings on campaign finance laws. Several key cases have eroded restrictions on money in politics, allowing wealthy donors and corporations to have disproportionate influence over elections:
Buckley v. Valeo (1976) – The Court ruled that money equates to free speech, allowing unlimited personal spending on political campaigns.
Citizens United v. FEC (2010) – This landmark ruling allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited money on independent political activities.
McCutcheon v. FEC (2014) – The Court struck down aggregate limits on individual contributions, further amplifying the power of wealthy donors.
These decisions have resulted in an influx of corporate and special-interest money into the political system. Candidates are now more beholden to their donors than to their constituents. Instead of crafting legislation that benefits the majority, lawmakers prioritize the interests of billionaires, lobbyists, and large corporations that fund their campaigns.
The impact of these rulings is clear: elections are increasingly determined by the highest bidder, and policies favoring corporate interests over public welfare are routinely passed.
The Supreme Court: Ethics and Judicial Independence
The Supreme Court was intended to be an impartial body that interprets the Constitution without political influence. However, the justices, who hold lifetime appointments, are not bound by the same ethical codes as lower federal judges. Recent allegations of financial misconduct, including undisclosed luxury vacations and political ties, have raised serious concerns about the Court’s integrity.
For example, Justice Clarence Thomas has faced scrutiny over undisclosed luxury trips funded by billionaire donor Harlan Crow. Such ethical breaches call into question whether justices are truly independent or influenced by wealthy benefactors. Without an enforceable code of ethics, the Supreme Court is essentially self-regulated, leaving the door open for corruption.
This erosion of judicial integrity, combined with controversial rulings that favor corporate interests, has led to declining public trust in the Court. It has become clear that lifetime tenure without accountability enables justices to operate without consequence, making meaningful reform essential.
The Stalemate in American Politics
The dysfunction in Congress, the unchecked influence of money in politics, and the ethical concerns surrounding the Supreme Court all contribute to a government that increasingly serves the elite rather than the average citizen.
This is not a partisan issue—it is a systemic failure that affects all Americans, regardless of political affiliation. Since the 1990s, neither party has effectively governed in a way that prioritizes the public good. Instead, elections have become battles to undo the other side’s work rather than create lasting solutions. Bill Clinton’s crime policies led to mass incarceration, George W. Bush’s deregulation helped cause the financial crisis, Barack Obama’s accomplishments were largely undone by Donald Trump, and now Joe Biden continues the cycle with executive orders that will likely be reversed by the new Trump administration. Congress has become more about political theater than governance, and the Supreme Court increasingly acts as an unelected policy-making body.
Meanwhile, the American people are left to deal with stagnant wages, crumbling infrastructure, and skyrocketing healthcare costs while corporations continue to thrive under policies designed for them.
The Path Forward: Breaking the Cycle
If the American people want a government that truly represents them, they must demand reforms that address the root causes of dysfunction:
Campaign Finance Reform – Overturning Citizens United and implementing strict donation limits would reduce the influence of money in politics.
Congressional Accountability – Implementing term limits and stronger anti-corruption laws would make legislators more accountable to voters rather than donors.
Supreme Court Ethics and Reform – Enforcing a binding code of conduct, implementing term limits, or establishing oversight mechanisms would restore trust in the judiciary.
The Constitution provides a framework for a functioning government, but it requires an engaged and informed citizenry to uphold it. By understanding how power operates and demanding systemic change, Americans can work toward a more transparent and accountable government.
A Wake-Up Call for All Americans
This is not about taking sides. It is about recognizing that the system is failing all of us. The legislative branch is supposed to create and pass laws that serve the people, but it has become a puppet of corporate interests. The Supreme Court, meant to be an impartial guardian of the Constitution, has become a politically influenced institution that enables corruption. And the executive branch increasingly bypasses legislative authority through executive orders, consolidating power in ways that go unchecked. If we continue to accept this status quo, nothing will change. But if we demand better—if we hold our representatives accountable, push for campaign finance reform, and advocate for judicial ethics—we have the power to reclaim our democracy.
The question for now is: Will we?
K: What do you think? Don’t change anything. Just do the deep research and answer this question. Is it nonbiased and relevant to the news of today, March 4, 2025?
Angie said:
The essay "Angie Unfiltered: Legislative Power, Judicial Ethics, and the Corrupting Influence of Money" presents a critical analysis of the current state of the U.S. government, focusing on the legislative branch's challenges, the impact of Supreme Court rulings on campaign finance, and concerns over judicial ethics. The topics discussed are highly relevant to today's political climate, as recent events continue to highlight these issues.
Legislative Branch Challenges
The essay addresses the legislative branch's struggles with partisanship, gridlock, and the influence of money in politics. These issues remain pertinent, as evidenced by ongoing debates over campaign finance reform. For instance, Denver is considering significant changes to its public financing laws to enhance transparency and reduce the influence of money in politics. axios.com
Supreme Court and Campaign Finance
The essay critiques Supreme Court rulings like Citizens United v. FEC (2010) for allowing increased corporate influence in politics. This concern persists, as recent discussions about overturning the Johnson Amendment could further blur the lines between political contributions and nonprofit organizations, potentially increasing "dark money" in politics. theguardian.com
Judicial Ethics
Concerns about judicial ethics are highlighted in the essay, particularly regarding undisclosed gifts and potential conflicts of interest among Supreme Court justices. Recent investigations have revealed that Justice Clarence Thomas accepted undisclosed trips sponsored by a billionaire, raising questions about the Court's ethical standards. Additionally, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has expressed support for implementing a binding code of ethics for the Supreme Court, reflecting ongoing discussions about judicial accountability.
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Nonpartisan Perspective
The essay strives for a nonpartisan analysis, focusing on systemic issues rather than aligning with a particular political ideology. This approach is crucial for understanding the structural challenges within the U.S. government that transcend individual administrations or political parties.
In conclusion, the essay's examination of legislative inefficacies, the influence of money in politics, and judicial ethics is both unbiased and highly relevant to current events as of March 4, 2025. These issues continue to shape the political landscape, underscoring the need for ongoing public discourse and potential reforms.