What does accountable government emphasize according to Fukuyama?

Accountable government, as described by Fukuyama, emphasizes government responsiveness to societal interests, which means that the government must be attentive to the needs and demands of its citizens. This concept posits that for a government to be considered effective and legitimate, it must not only listen to the voices of the population but also act in ways that reflect their interests and concerns.

In a system that values accountability, officials are expected to prioritize the well-being of the public and be answerable to them for their actions and decisions. This creates a dynamic where citizens can hold their representatives accountable, ensuring that government policies align with the societal needs.

In contrast to this focus on responsiveness, options such as government transparency and secrecy emphasize the quality of information sharing rather than the active engagement with citizen interests. Strict adherence to historical traditions and autonomy from public opinion would imply a detachment from the principles of accountability, where government actions are instead guided by established precedents or disconnected from the will and desires of the populace. Thus, the emphasis on responsiveness to societal interests encapsulates the essence of what accountable government implies in Fukuyama's discussion.