The Ethics in Government Act of 1978 is a landmark U.S. federal law enacted in response to the Watergate scandal and the Saturday Night Massacre, aimed at combating corruption and enhancing transparency in government operations. Signed into law on October 26, 1978, as Public Law 95-521, it established comprehensive financial disclosure requirements and conflict-of-interest rules for federal officials, including members of Congress, executive branch employees, and judicial officers. Key provisions include mandatory reporting of financial interests, assets, liabilities, and income sources to prevent conflicts of interest and promote public trust in government institutions. The Act also created the Office of Government Ethics to oversee implementation and enforcement.

Beyond disclosure rules, the legislation imposed post-employment restrictions on former government officials to curb the 'revolving door' between public service and private sector influence. It extended the prohibition on lobbying one's former agency from one year to two years and barred officials from engaging in professional services involving fiduciary relationships without prior authorization. Additional reforms addressed judicial ethics, allowing judges to teach when not on active duty, and it laid the groundwork for subsequent amendments, such as those in the Ethics Reform Act of 1989, which further tightened restrictions on executive and legislative branch personnel. The Act has been periodically amended to adapt to evolving challenges in government ethics.

Overall, the Ethics in Government Act represents a foundational effort to preserve the integrity of the federal government by institutionalizing accountability measures. It has influenced ethics standards across branches of government and continues to serve as a critical framework for monitoring potential abuses of power, though critics argue it requires ongoing strengthening to address modern issues like dark money in politics.