Cronyism - Definition and Overview

Cronyism is similar to nepotism, but it applies to friends and prior associates rather than exclusively to family.

Governments are particularly susceptible to accusations of cronyism as they spend public money. This is why democratic governments are encouraged to have transparency in their accounting and contracting processes.

A large number of Presidents of the United States have been accused of cronyism, including Republican Warren G. Harding, Democrat Franklin D. Roosevelt, Democrat John F. Kennedy and Republican George W. Bush.