Government Accountability and Ethics

Government accountability and ethics underpin public trust in federal institutions. Federal agencies use training, disclosures, and oversight to prevent bias and conflicts.

Ethics Rules and Conflicts of Interest

Federal ethics laws in 18 U.S.C. §§ 202-209 and Executive Order 12674 apply to officials, including presidents, though enforcement varies. High-ranking appointees file public disclosures. Officials avoid decisions affecting their or their spouse’s financial interests, extending to the Emoluments Clause for foreign payments. Congress members disclose stock trades publicly.

Congressional Oversight

Congress checks executive power, but refusals to comply limit enforcement. Criminal contempt is rare. Questioning officials like the attorney general has compel limits.

Protecting Independence

Unwritten rules and career prosecutors safeguard DOJ from political pressure. Gaps persist in preventing weaponization.

Transparency

The Presidential Records Act covers social media. The Espionage Act governs classified info. Record erasure efforts challenge transparency.