**A Transparent Government**

A transparent government is one that provides its citizens with the right and means to examine the process of decision-making. This means that the government operates openly, allowing citizens to access information and participate in the decision-making process. Transparency is an essential characteristic of a democratic government, as it ensures accountability, fosters trust, and promotes good governance.

**Explanation:**

1. **Openness and Access to Information:** A transparent government ensures that information regarding its decision-making processes, policies, and actions is readily available to the public. This includes making documents, reports, and data accessible to citizens through various means such as websites, public records, and public consultations.

2. **Accountability:** Transparency allows citizens to hold their government accountable for its decisions and actions. When the decision-making process is open and accessible, citizens can scrutinize the choices made by their government and assess whether they align with the public interest. This helps prevent corruption, nepotism, and abuse of power.

3. **Participation and Informed Decision Making:** A transparent government encourages citizen participation in the decision-making process. By providing access to information, citizens can make informed decisions and contribute to shaping policies and programs that affect their lives. This promotes inclusivity and ensures that diverse perspectives are taken into account.

4. **Trust and Confidence:** When a government operates transparently, it builds trust and confidence among its citizens. Transparency demonstrates that the government is accountable to the people and is acting in their best interests. This fosters a sense of ownership and collaboration between the government and its citizens.

5. **Good Governance:** Transparency is a fundamental aspect of good governance. It ensures that the government operates in a fair, just, and ethical manner. By allowing citizens to examine the decision-making process, a transparent government promotes integrity, efficiency, and effectiveness in its actions.

In conclusion, a government that provides its citizens with the right and means to examine the process of decision-making is considered a transparent government. Transparency is crucial for accountability, citizen participation, trust-building, and good governance. It empowers citizens and strengthens the democratic fabric of a nation.