Final answer:
The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), enacted in 1966, is the law that provides the public the right to access federal government information, though it includes certain exemptions for sensitive data.
Step-by-step explanation:
The law that establishes the public's right to access federal government information is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), enacted in 1966. This law requires that federal agencies release certain information to the public upon request, unless this information falls under one of nine exemptions which may include sensitive issues related to national security or privacy. The FOIA is intended to promote transparency within the executive branch of the U.S. government. Despite its intent for openness, not all records are accessible under FOIA, and certain presidents have decreed exceptions for national security organizations like the CIA and FBI.
Over time, FOIA has become an instrumental tool for journalists, citizens, and organizations seeking to understand government operations and unseal records that may otherwise remain undisclosed to the public. While agencies can charge fees for the labor involved in gathering and copying records, the FOIA significantly fosters an environment where transparency is a regulatory standard.