Generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) provide rules and standards that accountants must follow to ensure financial reporting is accurate and consistent. The Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934 were passed to regulate securities trading and protect investors, which led to the formal development of accounting principles and the creation of the Securities and Exchange Commission to set GAAP standards. Key concepts in GAAP include the business entity, going concern assumption, use of historical costs, accrual basis of accounting, and full disclosure of financial information.