Government Accountability and Ethics

Government accountability and ethics ensure public officials serve the public good, not personal interests, through transparency, oversight, and enforcement of ethical standards.

Congressional Oversight

Congress holds the executive accountable via investigations and hearings. Officials who refuse to answer may face criminal contempt, though prosecution depends on the Justice Department. Powers to compel Attorney General testimony are key, even in cases like DOJ probes of Fed Chair Powell.

Anti-Corruption Safeguards

Federal ethics laws apply to presidents, but enforcement varies. Unwritten rules protect DOJ independence from the White House, with career prosecutors facing limits when appointees intervene. Safeguards against weaponizing criminal law exist but are tested in political cases.

Transparency and Ethics

Public trust demands visibility, from Congress stock trades to Presidential Records Act rules on social media. Export controls and oversight boards prevent abuse in sensitive areas.