Horizontal accountability

Definition

Horizontal accountability refers to the mechanisms through which government branches or agencies hold each other accountable, ensuring that no single entity has unchecked power. This form of accountability is crucial for maintaining checks and balances within a political system, fostering transparency, and promoting effective governance. By allowing different branches to monitor and evaluate each other’s actions, horizontal accountability plays a significant role in enhancing public trust and the overall performance of government institutions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Horizontal accountability is essential for preventing abuses of power by creating an environment where governmental entities scrutinize each other's actions.
2. This accountability mechanism enhances transparency by allowing oversight among branches, which can lead to more informed decision-making.
3. Judicial bodies, independent agencies, and legislative committees often serve as important components of horizontal accountability.
4. Effective horizontal accountability can lead to improved public sector performance as it encourages collaboration and competition among government entities.
5. In systems with strong horizontal accountability, citizens tend to have greater trust in their government, as they can see that no single body is unrestrained in its authority.

Review Questions

• How does horizontal accountability enhance the functioning of government institutions?
  • Horizontal accountability enhances the functioning of government institutions by establishing mechanisms for different branches or agencies to monitor and evaluate each other's actions. This creates a system of checks and balances that helps prevent abuses of power and promotes transparency. By holding each other accountable, institutions are encouraged to work collaboratively while remaining vigilant against inefficiencies or misconduct, ultimately leading to better governance.
• In what ways can horizontal accountability contribute to effective performance measurement in government programs?
  • Horizontal accountability contributes to effective performance measurement by enabling various governmental bodies to assess the outcomes of programs implemented by others. When agencies hold each other accountable, they can share best practices and identify areas needing improvement, thus fostering a culture of continuous assessment. This collaboration ensures that performance metrics are not only established but are also effectively monitored across the board, improving overall service delivery.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of weak horizontal accountability on a government’s ability to deliver services effectively.
  • Weak horizontal accountability can lead to significant consequences for a government's ability to deliver services effectively. Without proper oversight among branches, there is a heightened risk of inefficiency, corruption, and misuse of resources. This lack of scrutiny may result in poor policy decisions that do not reflect the needs of citizens. Additionally, it can erode public trust in government institutions as citizens perceive that there are no checks on power, leading to disengagement from civic processes.

Related terms

Vertical Accountability:

Vertical accountability describes the relationship between citizens and their government, where citizens can hold officials accountable through mechanisms like elections, feedback, and civil society engagement.

Checks and Balances: Checks and balances is a system designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, ensuring that each branch has some measure of influence over the other branches.

Performance Measurement: Performance measurement involves assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of government programs and services, often through quantifiable indicators to determine how well objectives are being met.