Economics
The Influence of Intelligence Agencies on Democratic Oversight Mechanisms
Quick fact
In many democracies, documents meant to limit executive power are kept secret from parliament itself; for instance, the U.S. Congress was not fully briefed on surveillance programs for years, and some intelligence budgets remain entirely undisclosed to the public.
Why this is interesting
Governments tell us they need to keep secrets to keep us safe, but who watches the watchers? The answer, in a democracy, is supposed to be committees and laws—but these safeguards often bend under pressure.