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Transparency

Definition

In government, transparency refers to the obligation of public officials to provide clear, accessible information about their actions and decisions.

Analogy

Think of transparency like a glass house. If a government is transparent, it's like living in a glass house where everyone can see what you're doing inside. There are no hidden rooms or secret activities; everything is visible and open for scrutiny.

Related terms

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): A law that gives citizens the right to access information from the federal government.

Open Meetings Law: Laws that require meetings of governmental agencies or legislative bodies be open to the public.

Public Records Law: Laws that guarantee public access to certain types of documents held by government agencies.

"Transparency" appears in:

Practice Questions (1)

  • Which reform was introduced to increase transparency in bureaucratic decision-making processes?


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.