transparency

Man sitting on edge of table with sign behind him (Dept. of State/D.A. Peterson)

Journalists to politicians: ‘Stick to the facts’ [video]

Journalists hope to make politicians more accountable and create a more transparent government by fact checking the statements politicians make.
Smiling President Obama surrounded by people taking pictures (© AP Images)

You can now message President Obama on Facebook

You can now send a note to President Obama on Facebook using the White House’s Messenger bot, the first of its kind for any government.
President Obama sitting at table with others (White House)

Obama gives ‘second chance’ to 214 prisoners

President Obama reduced the sentences of 214 federal prisoners. He said the act reflects his belief that “America is a nation of second chances.”
Drop of water hanging from melting iceberg (© AP Images)

U.S. agencies have a new tool for addressing climate change

A new directive requires U.S. federal agencies to quantify greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact before starting projects.
Muhammadu Buhari (© AP Images)

Between promises and real change, there is ‘political will’

Lack of "political will" is the reason many anti-corruption programs fall short. Nigeria’s President Buhari is following through and driving change.
Building with sign reading 'Department of State' (© AP Images)

In America, honest dissent gets a hearing

"Without debate, without criticism ... no republic can survive," said President John F. Kennedy. Do you have a free space to speak about your government?
Drawing of hand holding magnifying glass over files with government seal (State Dept./D. Thompson)

In victory for open government, U.S. updates disclosure law

President Obama has approved updates to the Freedom of Information Act to increase public access to government documents and improve transparency.
Illustration of a man who is half politician and half bureaucrat.

Tweet about candidates on your own time if you work for...

The 1939 Hatch Act lays out what federal employees can and can’t do when it comes to working on behalf of a political party or a particular candidate.
Illustration of two hands passing money in envelope (State Dept./D. Thompson)

Here’s how to root out government corruption

Corruption can seep into government. What can be done to root it out? Enter the inspector generals. Their job is to combat fraud, waste and abuse.