Final answer:
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) governs the disclosure of documents maintained by government agencies. It aims to increase openness and transparency in the government by allowing citizens to request documents from the appropriate agencies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The act that governs the disclosure of documents maintained by government agencies is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). FOIA was passed in 1966 and requires the executive branch of the U.S. government to provide information requested by citizens. It aims to increase openness and transparency in the government by allowing citizens to request documents from the appropriate agencies. FOIA does have some exceptions, such as classified information, human resource and medical records, and material provided by confidential sources among others.