Presidential Privilege and the Freedom of Information Act

Tells the story behind the development of the Freedom of Information Act and explores its legacy today

The Freedom of Information Act, developed at the height of the Cold War, highlighted the power struggles between Congress and the president in that tumultuous era. By drawing on previously unseen primary source material and exhaustive archival research, this book reveals the largely untold and fascinating narrative of the development of the FOIA, and demonstrates how this single policy issue transformed presidential behaviour. The author explores the policy's lasting influence on the politics surrounding contemporary debates on government secrecy, public records and the public's 'right to know', and examines the modern development and use of 'executive privilege'.

Kevin M. Baron is Lecturer and Civic Engagement Coordinator for the Bob Graham Center and the Department of Political Science at the University of Florida. Kevin's research focuses on Congress and the Presidency, paying particular attention to the politics of policymaking.