The Presidential Records Act and the Federal Records Act
Records are the foundation of open government, supporting the principles of transparency, participation, and collaboration. Well-managed records can be used to assess the impact of programs, to improve business processes, and to share knowledge across the Government. Records protect the rights and interests of people, and hold officials accountable for their actions. Permanent records document our nation's history.
The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is an independent federal agency that preserves and shares with the public records that trace the story of our nation, government, and the American people.
Learn why Records Matter, and discover the relevant processes, legalities, timelines, and more.
A National Archives employee in a stack area at the Washington National Records Center, Suitland, MD.