What is the PATRIOT Act designed to do?

The PATRIOT Act is primarily designed to enhance the government's ability to prevent and respond to terrorism. One of the significant components of the Act is the provision that allows the government to access personal information. This facilitates law enforcement in conducting investigations and surveillance to ensure national security. By enabling authorities to review communication records, financial transactions, and other personal data, the Act aims to thwart potential threats and enhance public safety in the post-9/11 context.

The other options do not accurately reflect the main focus of the PATRIOT Act. For instance, while enhancing organizational financial disclosures pertains more to financial regulations and corporate governance, it is not a goal of the PATRIOT Act. Similarly, strengthening consumer rights in IT and regulating international business transactions are unrelated to the Act's primary functions, which center around national security and counterterrorism efforts. Thus, the focus of the PATRIOT Act on accessing personal information is a key aspect of its design and intent.