The USA ranks relatively low in the least corrupt and most corrupt countries table because it has worked hard to put laws into place that protect against illegal activities such as corrupt actions, most recently with the implementation of Sarbanes Oxley (although it does not apply to privately held companies). The magnitude of social media has also played its part in making decision makers think twice about taking shortcuts because if and once a corrupt activity takes place and it gets in the hands of the media the entire nation and world will hear about it. The citizens of this country play a big role in minimizing corruption, although it may still be out there, Americans know the system or have access to it (e.g. police, lawyers, etc) to know their rights and how to respond to illegal activities, to include corruption.