What Structures Help Prevent Corruption?

What Structures Help Prevent Corruption?
“Good governance” principles can make it more difficult for corruption to take root. Of
many requirements of good governance, some key components are participation,
accountability, transparency, and rule of law. (See box in Good Governance.) It is the
combination of the principles that can help stem corruption and build a stable society.
And, in a system where rule of law prevails, citizens have an equal standing under the
law regardless of their political affiliation, social status, economic power, or ethnic
background. Public participation greatly helps mitigate conflict because there are
legitimate public forums and mechanisms for peaceful debate. Public participation in
politics (through elections, political parties and civil society organizations) can provide a
check on the government and keep political authorities accountable. Such accountability
is enhanced by the rule of law, which encompasses the processes, norms, and structures
that hold the population and public officials legally responsible for their actions and
impose sanctions if they violate the law.