accountability Flashcards
(10 cards)
What is the main goal of political accountability?
To ensure democratic control over government through mechanisms like elections and parliamentary scrutiny.
Name two mechanisms of political accountability.
Elections and ministerial responsibility (also: select committees, public inquiries).
What is legal accountability?
Holding the government accountable to the law through courts and tribunals
What are the four key principles of legal accountability?
Legality, procedural fairness, rationality, and proportionality.
What limits legal accountability?
Courts are reactive (need a case), and judges can’t replace lawful but poor policy decisions.
What is administrative accountability?
Ensuring government actions are efficient, rule-based, and follow proper internal processes.
Who are civil servants accountable to?
Ministers—not directly to the public.
What is the role of the National Audit Office (NAO)?
To review how public money is used and report to Parliament, supporting political accountability.
How do ombudsmen contribute to accountability?
They investigate complaints about maladministration and issue reports.
Name a key limitation of political accountability.
Elections are infrequent and may not focus on detailed policy issues.
