[研究生入学考试题库]考研英语(一)分类模拟题21.docxVIP

[研究生入学考试题库]考研英语(一)分类模拟题21 Reading ComprehensionText 1 In a rare unanimous ruling, the US Supreme Court has overturned the corruption conviction of a former Virginia governor, Robert McDonnell. But it did so while holding its nose at the ethics of his conduct, which included accepting gifts such as a Rolex watch and a Ferrari automobile from a company seeking access to government.  The high courts decision said the judge in Mr. McDonnells trail failed to tell a jury that it must look only at his official acts, or the former governors decisions on specific and unsettled issues related to his duties.  Merely helping a gift-giver gain access to other officials, unless done with clear intent to pressure those officials, is not corruption, the justices found.  The court did suggest that accepting favors in return for opening doors is distasteful and nasty. But under anti-bribery laws, proof must be made of concrete benefits, such as approval of a contract or regulation. Simply arranging a meeting, making a phone call, or hosting an event is not an official act.  The courts ruling is legally sound in defining a kind of favoritism that is not criminal. Elected leaders must be allowed to help supporters deal with bureaucratic problems without fear of prosecution for bribery. The basic compact underlying representative government, wrote Chief Justice John Robert for the court, assumes that public officials will hear from their constituents and act on their concerns.  But the ruling reinforces the need for citizens and their elected representatives, not the courts, to ensure equality of access to government. Officials must not be allowed to play favorites in providing information or in arranging meetings simply because an individual or group provides a campaign donation or a personal gift. This type of integrity requires well-enforced laws in government transparency, such as records of official meetings, rules on lobbying, and information about each