Democracy, Human Rights, and Governance
Legislative/Parliamentary Strengthening
Strong, effective, and independent legislatures are critical democratic institutions. Over the past 30 years, USAID has supported parliaments and legislatures in over 70 countries to assist them in making the transition from authoritarian to democratic rule, to more effectively perform their fundamental tasks of representation, lawmaking, and oversight. Independent legislatures are critical to democratic resilience. They provide a check on executive power, safeguard against democratic backsliding, and play a key role in economic growth, security, and development. They are a driving force in budgeting and fiscal oversight, advancing reform agendas, and increasing government openness and accountability. They serve as a critical link that translates citizen voice into policy action.
