Freedom of information generally means access to information about any governmental entity involved in the operation of government. This includes access to reports, budgets, correspondence, and other documents related to the operational aspects of a governmental body, whether it is legislative or executive.

In the early twenty-first century the concepts of freedom of information and access to information are closely aligned with democracy. Throughout history democracy and freedom of information have been limited. Public discourse and exchange of information and ideas about government were common in the development of Greek democracies beginning in the fifth century B.C.E. Greek citizens were welcome to attend open forums, debate issues, make proposals, and hear about matters of public debate. Around the same time the Roman Senate was a public body. Originally it was composed of the 100 leading citizens of Rome who advised the executive authority...