What principle does the Federal Advisory Committee Act emphasize regarding committee meetings?

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) emphasizes transparency and accountability in government operations, particularly concerning the activities of advisory committees. One of the primary principles articulated in FACA is that meetings of these advisory committees must be open to the public. This requirement serves to ensure that the decision-making processes of government are conducted in a manner that is visible to the public, allowing for greater scrutiny and input from citizens.

By mandating public access to committee meetings, FACA aims to enhance democratic participation and foster trust in governmental processes. This transparency is crucial for maintaining public confidence in the advisory system and ensuring that the recommendations made by these committees are reflective of the interests and concerns of the broader community.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the core principle of the Federal Advisory Committee Act as it relates to meetings, as they either misinterpret the focus of the law (such as the notion that meetings should only be held privately or that they can be conducted anywhere without consideration of public access) or miss the significance of public disclosure altogether.