Final answer:
The GAO 'Redbook' principles focus on timely and specific appropriations to ensure that federal spending is accountable and legally aligned with legislative intent, under the oversight of Congress.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) "Redbook" is a comprehensive guide on federal budgeting and appropriations. It includes principles such as Timely over outdated information, which prioritizes current information for budget decisions, and Specific over general appropriations, emphasizing the need for appropriations to be as specific as possible to facilitate accountability. These principles ensure that funds are legally used for their intended purpose. For example, Congress, through the GAO, exerts oversight on the federal budget by ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent according to specific legal parameters. Appropriations, whether they are for discretionary spending or dedicated to specific entitlements, are scrutinized by the GAO for conformity with legislation.