The press plays a critical role in holding the government accountable by acting as a watchdog that investigates and reports on government actions and policies. Investigative journalism exposes corruption, abuse of power, and policy failures, informing the public and fostering transparency. By facilitating discourse and debate, the press can help ensure that citizens are aware of their rights and are able to participate actively in democracy. However, the effectiveness of the press can be hampered by media consolidation, censorship, and the spread of misinformation, which can undermine public trust and the accountability process.