Question

What checks does congress have on the other two branches?

Answer 1

As a part of the system of checks and balances established by the United States Constitution, Congress has several checks on the other two branches of government:

1. Legislative Oversight: Congress can exercise oversight over the executive branch and investigate the actions of the President and executive agencies.
2. Impeachment Power: Congress has the power to impeach and remove the President, Vice President, and other federal officials for "high crimes and misdemeanors."
3. Confirmation Power: Congress has the power to approve or reject the President's nominees for executive and judicial positions.
4. Power of the Purse: Congress controls the government's purse strings, meaning it has the power to authorize and appropriate funds for government programs and activities.
5. Legislative Veto: Congress can veto executive actions by passing legislation that would nullify or modify the action.
6. War Powers: Congress has the power to declare war, and must authorize any use of military force by the President.

These are some of the main checks that Congress has on the other two branches of government, but there are others as well. The purpose of these checks is to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful and to ensure that the government operates within the bounds of the Constitution.