The U.S. Constitution establishes a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Congress, which is the legislative branch, has several powers that can limit the president's ability to influence federal legislation:
The power to make laws: Congress has the authority to pass laws, and the president cannot make laws on his or her own. The president can suggest legislation, but ultimately, it is up to Congress to pass it.
The power of the purse: Congress controls the federal budget and can use its power of the purse to limit the president's ability to influence legislation. For example, Congress can refuse to fund a particular program or policy that the president supports.
The power to override vetoes: If the president vetoes a bill passed by Congress, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
The power of impeachment: Congress has the power to impeach and remove the president from office for "high crimes and misdemeanors." This power serves as a check on the president's behavior and can limit his or her ability to influence legislation.
The power to investigate: Congress has the authority to investigate the executive branch, including the president, and can use this power to uncover information that can limit the president's ability to influence legislation.
Overall, Congress has a range of powers that can limit the president's ability to influence federal legislation, which helps to maintain the system of checks and balances established by the U.S. Constitution.