FOIA legitimized the previously unilateral classification system.

Evidence

The classification system was only fifteen years old at the time of FOIA’s passage, and it had been created by unilateral executive order. … Under the Act, the President may withhold information about national defense or foreign policy with the formal approval of Congress, previously lacking. — David E Pozen; Michael Schudson, Troubling Transparency- The History and…, 87

Categorization

• corroborated: 2 independent passages support this claim — David E Pozen; Michael Schudson, Troubling Transparency- The History and…, 87
• XREF: connects to: In 1975, FOIA significantly increased document declassification. — Nicholson Baker, Baseless- My Search for Secrets in the…, 214; FOIA significantly legitimized the classification system.

Broader Connections

• In 1975, FOIA significantly increased document declassification. #expands (0.60) — Nicholson Baker, Baseless- My Search for Secrets in the…, 214