What is the purpose of the Presidential Records Act?

The purpose of the Presidential Records Act is to ensure the preservation of presidential records and facilitate public access to them. This legislation was enacted in 1978 in response to concerns over the handling of presidential documents, particularly after the Watergate scandal. It mandates that the records created or received by the President and their staff during the course of their official duties are to be preserved, recognizing their importance for historical research and public accountability.

By ensuring that these records are maintained and accessible after the president leaves office, the act promotes transparency in government and enables the public to understand and hold accountable the actions of their elected officials. The Presidential Records Act underscores the notion that while the president holds significant power, the documents and records associated with that presidency belong to the public and should be available for scrutiny and study.