What might be a consequence of lacking political accountability?

Lacking political accountability can lead to corruption and abuse of power because without mechanisms to hold leaders responsible for their actions, there is less incentive for them to act in the public interest. When political figures know they are not being monitored or evaluated by citizens or oversight bodies, they may engage in unethical behavior without fear of repercussions. This environment can foster a culture where decisions are made based on personal gain rather than the needs of the community or society as a whole. Consequently, the absence of accountability is often linked to deteriorating trust in government and the erosion of democratic principles, as citizens become disillusioned with a system that appears to favor those in power rather than the populace.