The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that provides the public with the right to request access to records from any federal agency. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is the audit and investigation department of the U.S. Congress, established in 1921. The GAO’s mission is to carry out financial and performance audits of government organizations and programs.
In the USA, the Inspector General (IG) is the head of one of the 73 federal offices responsible for performing audit and investigative activities on federal agencies, making periodic reports to Congress.
The National Audit Office (NAO) is the UK's supreme audit institution responsible for scrutinizing public spending on behalf of Parliament.
Public Interest Research Groups (PIRGs) are independent, non-profit organizations that promote consumer rights, the environment, and good government through advocacy and research.
