Freedom of Information laws allow the public to know what our government is doing. Through these laws the public can examine how tax dollars are being spent, how government policies are created and enforced, and they allow the public access to records and documents pertaining to this information. The following quiz tests your working knowledge of the FOIA. ***Please note that Freedom of Information laws are NOT the same as local sunshine laws.
Yes. Our Constitution outlines several very specific laws so the public can examine records and attend meetings.
No. Freedom of Information laws are policies each government agency started adopting in the 1920s, but the laws are strictly enforced by department heads.
Yes. The right to access public documents is in the United States Bill of Rights.
No. It is a right that was passed by Congress in the mid 60s. Some state consitutions, however, do include a right to examine records and attend the meetings of public entities.
A Freedom of Information request must always be in writing.
Freedom of Information requests can be made in person, electronically, or in writing.
Salaries and overtime payments.
Correspondence sent by or received through a government e-mail address.
Police investigation records relating to a closed arson investigation.
The medical records of six individuals who died within a week of each other in a city-owned home for the elderly.
True.
False.
True. A person can make a general request and an agency will make every attempt to locate and provide the information.
False. Freedom of Information requests must be specific and must reasonably describe the records being sought. This means that a request must be specific enough to permit a professional employee of the agency who is familiar with the subject matter to locate the record in a reasonable period of time.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
False.
True.
False.