What is the significance of the Presidential Records Act?

The significance of the Presidential Records Act lies in its requirement for the preservation of presidential records, which serves vital functions in promoting accountability and transparency in government. Established in 1978, the act designates that records created or received by the President and their staff during their time in office are to be maintained as public property. This is essential for ensuring that future administrations, historians, and the public have access to the records that chronicle the actions and decisions of the executive branch. By mandating that these records be kept, the act supports the democratic principle that government actions should be open to scrutiny, thus fostering an informed citizenry and holding leaders accountable for their administration's conduct.