An analysis on the US freedom of information act and its necessity in the transparency of the us government

Abstract

This research is a study of the United States Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and its necessity in the transparency of the US government. In the global context of increasing human right awareness, Freedom of Information legislation plays the role as the cornerstone to preserve and foster the right to know of people and other rights including civil and political rights. The situation of this Act in American society, which is said to be a democratic one, is more noticeable because of its great significance to the political participation of US citizens. The need of participation in the government business means the demand for the transparency in the government; therefore, the FOIA play a certain part in governmental transparency. The study firstly came to review some basics of FOIA, namely the history and the main content of the Act. Then, by investigating in both people and government implementation of this statute, the study showed the necessity of this tool to the executive branch’s transparency. Specifically, the level of public participation by using FOIA and government protection mechanism to FOIA were examined. To achieve most reliable result, the study employed synthesis and analysis methods throughout the process. Relevant materials were collected and then analyzed and synthesized in order to extract the best information that served the ideas. At the same time, some comparisons and contrast were made when needed. With those methods utilized, the research finally gave an overview of FOIA and pointed out the necessity it played in the transparency of the US government.