Final answer:
The APA provides guidelines related to psychological aspects that can influence legislative policy, while FOIA enables Congress and the public to access federal agency records, ensuring government transparency. These tools help Congress make better policy decisions and allow journalists and the public to uncover important information about government operations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American Psychological Association (APA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provide distinct resources for Congress. The APA creates guidelines that can influence legislative policy on psychological aspects of societal issues, whereas the FOIA grants Congress, journalists, and the public the right to access information held by federal agencies, bolstering transparency and accountability in government. Information obtained via FOIA can lead to significant revelations, such as uncovering misuse of government resources or increases in substance abuse among minors. These tools aid Congress in making informed decisions and facilitate the public's understanding of governmental operations.
FOIA was enacted to increase openness in governmental affairs, especially within the executive branch, by giving citizens the right to request records from federal agencies. Exceptions exist to protect sensitive information related to national security, personnel privacy, trade secrets, and more. Congress benefits from these measures by having access to information that can inform policy-making, oversight, and responsiveness to public concerns.