Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (1966)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (5 U.S.C. § 552)

2) Why It Was Done
FOIA was enacted to guarantee public access to federal agency records, promoting government transparency and accountability.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
The 1946 Administrative Procedure Act had a limited “public information” requirement but lacked enforceable rights. FOIA gave citizens the ability to compel disclosure through courts.