Final answer:
Congress can impact the executive branch's agenda by controlling the fiscal resources through its 'power of the purse.' By approving or withholding funds, Congress can start, stop, or encourage programs and even dismantle entire agencies, exerting a significant influence over policy and administration actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Congress can use its power of the purse to impact the agenda of the executive branch in several ways. For one, Congress could stop programs or plans proposed by the executive branch from being implemented by not providing the necessary funding. Additionally, Congress could encourage the executive branch to fund certain departments or agencies by allocating funds to them, thereby nudging the executive toward specific policy priorities. Furthermore, Congress can also effectively eliminate executive departments or agencies by cutting off their funding.
The 'power of the purse' is a critical check held by Congress to ensure that the executive branch remains within the confines of legislative intent. Oversight and budget control allow Congress to incentivize compliance from the executive, serving as both a carrot and a stick. If agencies do not align with congressional priorities or directive, they may face budget cuts.
Through this financial leverage, Congress is able to exercise significant influence over the executive agenda, particularly in areas such as foreign policy, in which the executive is traditionally dominant but still requires congressional approval for funding. Congress's role in amending, oversight, and the budget reflects its substantial ability to shape the national agenda and steer government operations.