Final answer:
The Government in Sunshine Act of 1976 requires bureaucratic decisions to be made in public meetings to ensure transparency and prevent corruption, with certain exceptions for sensitive information. Local government meetings also allow for citizen participation and oversight.
Step-by-step explanation:
The requirement that bureaucratic decisions be made in public meetings stems from legislation known as the Government in Sunshine Act of 1976. This act ensures that federal agencies conduct their business in a transparent manner by holding meetings that are open to the public, excluding certain exceptions for sensitive information. These public meetings are intended to prevent corruption and foster a responsive relationship between the bureaucracy and the citizens it serves, exemplified by the saying "sunlight is the best disinfectant."
Local governmental meetings also provide a platform for citizens to observe and participate in the decision-making process. This engagement is a vital aspect of a functioning democracy, allowing for public comment and increasing the accountability of bureaucratic agencies. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option (d) forcing agencies to hold public meetings.