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.
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