Congressional
Oversight
Oversight
Which branch of government creates agencies and gives them authority?
The legislative branch, specifically Congress, creates government agencies by passing laws. Congress also defines the agencies’ responsibilities, powers, and limits, meaning agencies only have the authority that Congress gives them
What is impeachment?
A formal accusation of wrongdoing against a government official.
What Is an Executive Order?
An executive order is a directive issued by the President to federal agencies or Executive orders tell agencies how to enforce or carry out existing laws.
What is the responsibility of the legislative branch?
Creating Laws.
This branch can veto laws passed by Congress.
What is the Executive Branch?
What is the “power of the purse”?
The “power of the purse” is Congress’s constitutional power to control government spending and agency funding. Because agencies need money to operate, Congress can increase, decrease, or eliminate funding to influence how agencies function and enforce laws.
Which branch of government has the power to impeach a president?
The legislative branch (specifically the House of Representatives).
What are some of the main purposes of executive orders throughout American history?
Executive orders have been used by presidents to manage government agencies, direct military actions, respond to national crises, and implement policy goals.
What two chambers are part of the bicameral system?
The House of Representatives and the Senate.
The Supreme Court uses this power to review laws and decide if they follow the Constitution.
What is judicial review?
What is congressional oversight?
Congressional oversight is the process where Congress monitors and investigates government agencies to make sure they are following laws correctly. Congress can hold hearings, subpoena documents, require officials to testify, and launch investigations to keep agencies accountable.
What vote is required in the House of Representatives to impeach a president?
A simple majority vote (more than 50%).
What formal powers are specifically granted in the Constitution?
Commander in Chief of the military or Veto legislation
How many members are part of the House of Representatives?
435
Congress can stop a president’s veto by doing this.
What is overriding the veto?
What is the difference between Congress and government agencies?
Congress is part of the legislative branch and is responsible for creating laws, establishing agencies, and deciding agency funding. Government agencies are part of the executive branch and are responsible for carrying out, enforcing, and managing the laws and policies created by Congress.
What role does the Senate play after a president is impeached?
The Senate holds a trial and decides whether to convict and remove the president.
Which statement best describes an informal power of the president?
Issuing executive orders
What is a filibuster?
Senate procedure used to delay or block a vote by extending a debate indefinitely.
The President is checked by Congress because Congress controls this important thing.
What is money/the budget?
Why would cutting agency funding reduce an agency’s power?
Government agencies rely on money from Congress to operate. If Congress cuts funding, agencies may have fewer workers, fewer programs, and less ability to enforce laws or provide services. This weakens the agency’s influence and ability to complete its responsibilities.
Why does the Constitution require a two-thirds vote in the Senate to remove a president from office?
To ensure broad agreement and prevent removal based on simple partisan majority.
Why has presidential power increased over time?
National crises require quick executive action
What is a conference committee?
A committee is formed when the House and Senate must resolve differences in a bill before final approval.
This branch confirms the President’s cabinet members and judges.
What is the Legislative Branch?