Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

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.

Acts

Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA)

Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA, 1971; amended by BCRA 2002)

1) Link to the Text of the Act
Read the statute (52 U.S.C. § 30101 et seq.)

2) Why It Was Done
FECA was enacted to regulate campaign finance, requiring disclosure of contributions and expenditures, setting limits on donations, and establishing enforcement mechanisms.

3) Pre-existing Law or Constitutional Rights
Earlier laws like the Tillman Act (1907) and the Federal Corrupt Practices Act (1925) attempted campaign finance reform but were weakly enforced. FECA created a comprehensive framework.