Political accountability influences governance outcomes by ensuring that leaders are answerable for their decisions and actions. Mechanisms such as elections, checks and balances, and transparency initiatives force elected officials to consider the implications of their policies. When accountability is strong, it fosters trust between the government and citizens, which can lead to greater public participation and civic engagement. In contrast, weak accountability can result in a disconnection between leaders and constituents, potentially causing governance failures and increasing discontent. Thus, maintaining political accountability is crucial for effective and responsive governance.