Final answer:
Congress uses its oversight power over the executive branch through control of funding, approving presidential appointments, holding hearings, and the Government Accountability Office (GAO), which provides nonpartisan auditing and evaluation services to ensure legislation is implemented properly and executive power is checked.
Step-by-step explanation:
Congress exercises its oversight power over the executive branch in several ways to ensure that legislation is implemented as intended and to maintain balance between the branches of government. One key method is by controlling funding and approving presidential appointments, which gives Congress the power to influence the operation of the federal bureaucracy. Committees and subcommittees hold hearings to question bureaucracy leaders and maintain a check on executive actions.
The Legislature's oversight role is significant in democracies to ensure that power is shared across the system and to prevent the concentration and potential corruption of power in one branch. Congress has several enumerated powers that provide this oversight, like the introduction of legislation, confirmation of presidential nominations, and the ability to impeach federal officials. Through these powers, Congress can monitor and review executive actions closely.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) is another powerful tool for Congress in exercising oversight, as it assists with auditing, evaluations, and investigations. It produces reports and provides Congress with crucial information on the federal budget and performance, affecting a broad range of areas including defense, health care, and education. The GAO's role underscores the importance of fact-based and nonpartisan analysis in the oversight process.