Accounting principles within the United States are primarily developed by a. GAAP. b. the SEC. c. the IASB. d. the FASB.

The correct answer is: **d. the FASB.** **Explanation:** - **FASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board):** The FASB is the primary body responsible for establishing and updating Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in the United States. It operates independently of the government and regularly issues standards to ensure consistency and transparency in financial reporting. - **GAAP:** While GAAP refers to the actual set of accounting principles, it is not an organization itself. Rather, it's the framework that organizations like the FASB develop and maintain. - **SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission):** The SEC oversees and enforces compliance with GAAP among publicly traded companies but does not directly develop the accounting principles. - **IASB (International Accounting Standards Board):** The IASB is responsible for developing International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), which are used globally but not specific to the United States. Therefore, the FASB plays the central role in developing the accounting principles used within the United States. **Answer:** d. the FASB.