What is Racketeering?

Definition and meaning of racketeering: Racketeering is a form of organized crime that involves the use of coercion, fraud, or violence to obtain money, property, or services from victims. It is often associated with political corruption and occurs when a person or group extorts money or favors from government officials, businesses, or individuals in exchange for their support in an election or other political agenda. Racketeering is a major impediment to a fair and independent political process. It prevents citizens from having a true say in who represents them by allowing powerful interests to control their vote. As a result, those in power are often able to maintain their positions and limit the choices of the electorate. This not only harms democratic processes, but can also lead to an unequal and unrepresentative political system that fails to reflect the true desires of the people.