Transparency makes public power inspectable. Accountability ensures that inspection has consequences. Together they reduce corruption, increase legitimacy, and improve outcomes.
1. Transparency by default
Public power must be inspectable. Secrecy is exceptional, justified, and time-limited.
- Publish rules, decisions, and rationales in plain language.
- Default to open data and open records with privacy redactions.
- Time-limit classified decisions and require periodic review.
2. Verifiability and audit trails
Claims and decisions should be checkable. Logging and recordkeeping are civic infrastructure.
- Maintain immutable audit logs for critical actions.
- Record who decided what, when, and under which authority.
- Enable independent audit access with strong safeguards.
3. Oversight with real power
Oversight bodies must have authority, independence, and resources—otherwise they are performative.
- Independent inspector/auditor functions.
- Subpoena-like powers for records and testimony where appropriate.
- Protection from political retaliation and capture.
4. Accountability with consequences
Abuse and negligence must lead to predictable consequences, not impunity.
- Clear lines of responsibility and named owners.
- Graduated consequences: correction → sanctions → removal → prosecution (as applicable).
- No “too big to punish” exceptions.
5. Anti-corruption by design
Reduce temptation and increase detection. Make corruption expensive and risky.
- Conflict-of-interest disclosures and recusal rules.
- Transparent procurement and contracting.
- Whistleblower protections and secure reporting channels.
6. Public explanation duties
When power acts, it owes reasons. Public justification is a core legitimacy mechanism.
- Explain goals, tradeoffs, and constraints.
- Publish what evidence was used and what was rejected.
- Document uncertainty and why action was still taken.
7. Privacy-preserving transparency
Transparency must not become surveillance. Protect individuals while opening institutions.
- Redact personal identifiers; publish aggregates where possible.
- Limit data retention and access to sensitive records.
- Require warrants/authorizations for intrusive investigation.
8. Remedies and repair
When institutions harm people, there must be accessible repair mechanisms.
- Fast complaint handling with response guarantees.
- Compensation and restoration where appropriate.
- Policy correction and systemic fixes, not only individual settlements.
