What principle emphasizes that government must be accountable to the people?

The principle that emphasizes government accountability to the people is rooted in the concept of accountability itself. Accountability requires that government officials and institutions are answerable for their actions, decisions, and policies. This means they must explain their decisions, justify the use of resources, and be receptive to scrutiny and feedback from the public.

In a democratic society, this principle is crucial because it reinforces the idea that government operates on behalf of the citizens. It establishes a relationship of trust where the government’s actions are expected to align with the public's interests and needs. When accountability is effectively upheld, it helps to prevent misuse of power and ensures that government officials remain responsible for upholding the rule of law and ethical standards.

While transparency plays a role in facilitating accountability by providing information to the public, it is not the same as accountability itself. Transparency is more about the availability and openness of information, whereas accountability focuses on the obligation to respond to and rectify actions. Agency compliance refers to adherence to regulations and internal policies but does not necessarily address the broader scope of public accountability. Efficiency speaks to the effective use of resources and processes but does not inherently connect to the relationship between government and its citizens.

Thus, the principle of accountability is central to ensuring that government is answerable to