when each individual knows for what he is responsible, and is known to others as responsible for it
 John Stuart Mill, Considerations on Representative Government (1861). copy citation

Context

“when the business is conveniently distributed among those who are to transact it, a convenient and methodical order established for its transaction, a correct and intelligible record kept of it after being transacted; when each individual knows for what he is responsible, and is known to others as responsible for it; when the best-contrived checks are provided against negligence, favoritism, or jobbery in any of the acts of the department. But political checks will no more act of themselves than a bridle will direct a horse without a rider.” source