Inteligência no TCU
ABSTRACT The purpose of the present study is to identify how intelligence activitiy may contribute to a more efficient performance of the Brazilian Court of Audit (Tribunal de Contas da União - TCU) on the exercise of the external control of Federal Public Administration. The starting point is a theoretical review of the origins, definitions, concepts, classifications and principles of intelligence activity, following to the exam of the principle of administrative efficiency, especially concerning its origin, constitutional foundation, contents, reach and implications for the Democratic State of Right, covering also intelligence activitiy as an efficiency tool. In addition, there is a presentation of notions on the mission, structure,