Mechanisms to ensure transparency in government spending include requirements for public disclosure of budget documents, audits, and the establishment of watchdog agencies like the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Additionally, laws such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) empower citizens and journalists to request information. Transparency initiatives, like open data platforms, allow the public to access government financial data in a comprehensible format. These measures are critical for fostering accountability, reducing corruption, and ensuring that taxpayers can track how funds are allocated and spent within various governmental programs.