Government Accountability Vocabulary

noun a strict or sudden enforcement of rules or laws

verb to take strong action to stop a particular type of behavior

• The government has decided to crack down on tax evasion in order to increase revenue.
• The school principal is cracking down on students who break the dress code.
• The boss is really cracking down on employees who are always late to work.
• It's time for us to crack down on our bad habits and start living a healthier lifestyle.

noun a person or group that monitors and oversees the actions of others, especially in a regulatory or supervisory capacity

• The watchdog organization is responsible for monitoring the financial activities of the company.
• My neighbor's dog is a great watchdog, always barking at any strangers approaching the house.
• I heard that new security system is a real watchdog, keeping an eye on everything happening in the neighborhood.
• The media serves as a watchdog, holding those in power accountable for their actions.

noun the illegal or unethical practice of using one's influence in government or connections with powerful individuals to obtain favors or preferential treatment

• The businessman was charged with influence peddling in an attempt to secure government contracts.
• The politician was caught influence peddling to get special favors for his friends.
• I heard that company was involved in some shady influence peddling to get ahead in the market.
• The artist's use of bold colors and abstract shapes was a form of influence peddling in the art world.