Final answer:
Congress uses its oversight powers to review the executive branch by controlling funding, approving appointments, holding hearings, and having the ability to introduce legislation and impeach federal officials. In addition, Congress has a role in foreign policy that can affect the president's actions, while the president's use of vetoes, executive orders, and military actions can influence Congress's legislative powers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Congress's Oversight Powers
Congress utilizes its oversight powers to review policies, programs, and activities of the executive branch in several ways. The power to control funding and approve presidential appointments gives Congress substantial influence over federal agencies. Congressional committees and subcommittees conduct hearings to examine the performance and budgets of these agencies. While many hearings are fact-finding missions, some can become contentious, especially if an agency is involved in a significant error or issue.
Another check on the executive branch is Congress's sole power to introduce legislation, which curtails the president's ability to influence lawmaking. Additionally, the Senate's role in confirming presidential nominations ensures that Congress has a say in the selection of top government officials. The ultimate check, however, is Congress's power to impeach the president or other federal officers, a heavy responsibility that underscores the gravity of this oversight power. Lastly, Congress's engagement in foreign policy includes powers over budgets, amendments, and shared constitutional power with the president concerning appointments, treaties, and war declarations.
Checks and Balances Between Congress and the President
While the president can veto legislation, Congress can override this veto with a two-thirds majority in both houses. Congress can also limit the president's influence through its role in foreign policy, although presidents have often used executive orders and military actions to maintain their influence in international affairs. Furthermore, judicial review, established by the U.S. Supreme Court in Marbury v. Madison, provides a means for the judiciary to check both the legislative and executive branches of the government.