Stemming from a loose interpretation of the Constitution – and specifically the necessary and proper clause -- congressional oversight is one of many enumerated powers bestowed upon Congress per Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. As the legislative body, Congress is charged with overseeing the inner workings of the Executive Branch and its federal agencies as a part of a system of checks and balances. However, as previously mentioned, this power is one of the implied powers of Congress, thus making it very difficult for many to delineate rightful oversight from reckless meandering. In the Constitution, for example, there is no singular mention of a definitive power such as “congressional oversight.” Consequently, there is no clear set of goals or practices through which Congress can oversee the executive branch. This is where things can become slightly tricky, however. As ordered by the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946, Congress was given the power to “exercise continuous watchfulness” over the executive branch and its subsidiary agencies and programs. The Legislative Reorganization Act of 1970 went one step further in granting oversight powers to Congress by authorizing House and Senate committees to “review and study, on a continuing basis the application, administration and execution” of laws. In order to fulfill these obligations, Congress uses a number of techniques to check the executive branch. One technique is the usage of committee hearings and investigations. In the mid to late 1960s, for example, Senator J. William Fulbright organized Senate hearings which mobilized opposition to the Vietnam War. Consequently, the Gulf Tonkin Resolution, which gave the president the power to authorize usage of “conv... ... middle of paper ... ...nts’ opinions of them and constituents’ perception of their work to advance their own beliefs. Consequently the act of not stopping seemingly corrupt activities is sometimes viewed by constituents just as negatively as partaking directly in those activities. So, while the purpose of congressional oversight today is similar to what it was decades ago, it is clear that oversight no longer means what it once die. In the end, I propose this is true today because of one simple concept: times are changing and so are politics. Works Cited Davidson, Roger H., Walter J. Oleszek, and Frances E. Lee. Congress and Its Members. Washington, D.C.: CQ, 2009. Print. Taylor Jr., Stuart. "CHENEY'S WIN OVER THE GAO THREATENS CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT." National Journal 34.50 (2002): 3638. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. Nov. 2010. US Const., art. 2, sec. 3. Print.
As the oversight literature covers a broad expanse of topics in regards to it, it is best to start with one of the earliest articles on congressional oversight written in 1966. John Bibby in his observational study of Congress tries to find when a committee will engage in oversight and when they will shirk those duties and why? Bibby lays the groundwork for an analysis of congressional oversight specifically the features and degree of oversight activity. Bibby finds that these factors will determine Congresses engagement in oversight. The methods that Bibby uses are different than those that come later in the study of congressional oversight in that he does not use any type of model but uses observations
Most individuals with a general background knowledge of the United States Federal Government system are aware that in order for a bill to become a law, it must first pass a majority vote in Congress. There is, however, a very important step in the legislative process that sometimes goes unnoticed. The committee system of the legislation process ensures that the appropriate attention is given to each bill introduced to Congress. Each member of both chambers are assigned to committees and subcommittees, and are expected to become subject matter experts in their respective roles as committee members.
The Broken Branch: How Congress Is Failing America and How to Get It Back on Track, written by political scientists Thomas E. Mann and Norman J. Ornstein, is a novel which describes how Congress has failed to fill its responsibilities to the people of the United States, and how Congress’s role in the American Constitutional System differs from the part it was designed to play. Mann and Ornstein describe the shift from Congress being a decentralized, committee-based institution to a more regimented one that focuses on political parties rather than committee. The authors believe that Congress cannot succeed in getting the United States back on track unless they start to follow the rules dictated in the Constitution. In addition, Mann and Ornstein
In this essay I will explore whether or not members of congress are still doing their job or just trying to keep their good reputation with their constituents for re-election time. The question of whether or not members of congress are doing their job effectively has been a great topic of controversy. Being a member of congress has turned into a long term struggle of constantly working towards reelection and trying to balance keeping their districts happy and still being a part of major legislature. Is there a way for members of congress to keep their district happy and still manage the bigger issues they are expected to deal with? Most Americans will complain that they are not happy and that their representatives are not doing their job in
Light, Paul C., and Christine L. Nemacheck. "Chapter 7 Congress." Government by the People, Brief 2012 Election Edition, Books a La Carte New Mypoliscilab With Etext Access Card Package. By David B. Magleby. 2012 Election Edition ed. N.p.: Pearson College Div, 2013. N. pag. Print.
Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives. “How Our Laws are Made”. Thomas.LOC.gov, July 24, 2007. Web. Feb. 25, 2012
Building good will with the people must be accomplished by making the members work with the voters. Congressmen will claim credit for good deeds done in certain districts so that the electors will honor the incumbent’s achievements by reelecting them for office. Mayhew states that the claims must be credible in order for the voters to believe them. Incumbents also take part in casework, such as bringing a “supplier of goods to the home district,” that way more trust is instilled within the congress members. Claims made can be perceived as either trustworthy or not, ultimately it beyond the voters discretion to decide
Norman Ornstein is regarded as one of our nation's foremost experts on Congress. Mr. Ornstein received a Ph.D.. from the University of Michigan, he writes for the NewYork Times, USA Today, Washington Post, and he has a regular column in Roll Call newspaper called 'Congress Inside Out';. Mr. Ornstein is also an election analyst for CBS and appears frequently on television shows including the Today Show, Nightline and the Mac Neil/Lehre News Hour where he has been a consultant and contributor for
Many Americans in today's society will find it difficult to answer the question of what Congress exactly does and why it exists. Others simply don't care and see Congress as a failed system where nothing gets done. Lee Hamilton, in his book Why Congress Works and Why you Should Care, proves these people wrong and gives an insider's look at what Congress actually does do and how it affects every American each day.
Although it is not specifically mentioned in the constitution, through all of these rights, Congress holds an inherent oversight role over the bureaucracy. The role flows from Congress’ power to make laws, raise and appropriate funds, give advice and consent to executive nominations, and impeach federal officials. This gives Congress a means of checking the power of the executive branch, as well as a method of determining if laws are being enacting
South University Online. (2013). POL2076: American Government: Week 4: People and Politics—Interest Groups. Retrieved from http://myeclassonline.com
...n policy, especially in regards to the budget and treaties, the president remains the dominant power in decision-making with regards to foreign policymaking. This power is demonstrated by the authority that the president is given by the constitution and the way that is interpreted and how presidents have used their powers and challenged congress for more power. The power of congress has been asserted in many ways, and will continue to be as long as our nation remains. The balance between powers will also remain in fluctuation, due to events that change the course of history. I do believe Congress should have an important role in foreign policymaking because it is crucial to our system of checks and balances. If one branch maintains too much power, the work of our forefathers to create a system different from the parliamentary system in England would all be in vain.
government. They are the executive, legislative and judicial branch. The relationship between the legislative and executive branch is known as the cat and mouse game. When it comes to approving the budget, both legislative and executive branch must work together to get things done. The legislative branch refers to Congress who has the power to create and develop laws for citizens of the United States. After Congress develops the law, the executive branch is responsible for enforcing the law. It makes sure everyone is going to follow and obey the laws. This principle is the same in a budget process. There are distinct differences between the legislative and executive branch because they have their own perspectives on things, but they resolve these differences together. Legislatures would hold meetings and hearings to discuss about information on the proposed budget proposal and decides how much funding should be given for programs in the agencies. According to power of the purse, legislators control and allocates dollars for spending purposes. The U.S. Congress must approve all budget requests from anyone who wish to receive funds for their program. As long as Congress is willing to provide funds for any agency, the executive branch would make it
Nedzi (D-Mich.), Luclen N. “Oversight or Overlook: Congress and the US Intelligence Agency.” A Congressman talk to the CIA senior seminar, November 14, 1979, https://www.cia.gov/library/center-for-the-study-of-intelligence/kent-csi/vol18no2/pdf/v18i2a02p.pdf (accessed January 7, 2014).
One of the most commonly used means is the establishment of oversight committees that can force agency officials to explain their activities to them. Budgetary actions and legislative investigations are the other means of oversight in relation to the legislative and executive functions of these agencies. In relation to budgetary actions, the Congress ensures oversight of the legislative and executive functions of administrative agencies through determining the budget and appropriation of money for the various agencies. The allocation of funds determines the kind of work to be conducted and programs to be implemented by the administrative agency. In this case, the Congress may not provide funds for activities it does not like or necessitate expenditure on projects it like. With regards to legislative investigations, the President can issue executive orders that limit the powers of these agencies or result in commencement of investigations. Moreover, the Congress can repeal an agency’s enabling stature or modify legislation to force the agency to adhere to its wishes. Therefore, constitutional directives for legislative and executive actions are geared towards repealing an agency’s enabling statute while statutory directives focus on modifying an agency’s enabling legislation. Appointments to these agencies are political appointees by the President subject to the advice and consent of the Senate, which also play a crucial role in removal of such