Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) Practice Exam

The legislative branch is considered accountable to the public because it is primarily composed of elected representatives who serve the interests of their constituents. This branch is responsible for making laws, regulating government spending, and overseeing the government’s activities on behalf of the citizens. Additionally, legislators must seek re-election at regular intervals, meaning their performance can be directly evaluated by the electorate, which holds them accountable for their decisions and actions.

While the executive and judicial branches operate with distinct roles and responsibilities, they do not have the same level of direct public accountability as the legislature. The executive branch implements laws and policies, while the judicial branch interprets those laws; neither is elected in the same way legislative representatives are. The administrative branch typically refers to the government agencies that carry out the laws and policies established by the legislative branch, but they are not directly accountable to the public in the same manner politicians are. Thus, the legislative branch stands out for its direct connection to the electorate, making it primarily accountable to the public.