The Foreign Agents Registration Act (1938) requires anyone acting as an agent of a foreign principal to register with the Department of Justice and disclose their activities, funding sources, and political materials distributed on behalf of foreign interests. FARA aims to ensure transparency about foreign influence in U.S. politics and policymaking. Violations can result in civil penalties or up to five years imprisonment. The law exempts certain activities like legitimate commercial work, religious activities, and legal representation, but these exemptions are narrowly construed.