What does the FOIA allow the public to do?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) specifically allows the public to request access to records held by federal agencies. This law was enacted to promote transparency and ensure that the public has the right to know what government agencies are doing. Under FOIA, individuals can submit requests for a wide array of records, with certain exemptions in place for sensitive information, such as national security data or privacy-protected material.

While other options may seem plausible, they do not accurately reflect the specific provisions of FOIA. For example, option A relates to state agencies rather than federal agencies, which is outside the scope of FOIA. Option B inaccurately suggests unrestricted access to military records; certain aspects of military records may be classified and not subject to public disclosure. Lastly, option D refers to classified documents, which are not accessible under FOIA for personal review as they are restricted to safeguard national security.

Thus, option C correctly identifies the essence of the FOIA, emphasizing the public's right to request information specifically from federal agencies.