In monarchies, public officials receive special privileges as a result of their positions. By contrast, the virtue of a democracy is that leaders understand those they govern because leaders do not enjoy special privileges

A number of laws limit “perks” enjoyed by public servants. These restrict the income they make, what uses can be made of public resources and receipt of gifts and other gestures.

Local officials typically care deeply about their communities and the decisions they must make on the communities’ behalf.

Local officials also are stewards of the decision-making process. A number of California laws relate to fairness in those processes.

Violations of California and federal ethics laws are punishable by a variety of civil, criminal and administrative penalties, depending on the severity of the violation and the degree of intent to violate the law that enforcement entities are able to demonstrate. Legal penalties are often only a small part of the overall cost of being the subject of an investigation for ethics laws violations.