How can Congress restrict the power of the President?
14
o·ver·sight (vr-st)n. 1. Watchful care or management; supervision. 2. Management by overseeing the performance or operation of a person or group scru·ti·ny n. pl. scru·ti·nies 1. A close, careful examination or study. 2. Close observation; surveillance. Examining the work of Congress Could you be a political analyst? What is scrutin y? What is oversight? Can you define these key terms?
Transcript of How can Congress restrict the power of the President?
o·ver·sight (vr-st)n.1. Watchful care or management; supervision.2. Management by overseeing the performance or operation of a person or group
scru·ti·ny n. pl. scru·ti·nies 1. A close, careful examination or study.2. Close observation; surveillance.
Examining the work of Congress
Could you be a political analyst?
What is scrutiny?
What is oversight?
Can you define these key terms?
Enquiry Question: How can Congress restrict the power of the president?
Learning Objectives
• To identify and explain the concepts of scrutiny and oversight
• To examine congressional checks on the power of the executive
Oversight of the Executive Branch• Scrutiny of the executive branch is an implied power of Congress• Absence of the executive from Congress makes scrutiny difficult so
Congress has given itself specific powers in addition to the existing checks and balances by the legislature on the executive
“an important and positive role to ensure the executive branch
adheres to limits to its powers and discharges its duties in a proper and timely manner”
“a polite phrase for trying to embarrass
the president and his administration”
How useful is oversight of the executive branch?
Learning Objectives
• To identify and explain the concepts of scrutiny and oversight
• To examine congressional checks on the power of the executive
Checks & Balances ExampleAmend/delay/reject legislation Rebuild American Jobs Act
filibustered in Senate 03/11/11
Override president’s veto George W Bush - Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act 15/07/08
Power of the purse House Resolution 29202/06/11
Declare war Iraq War (follows War Powers Resolution)Libya (controversial)
Ratify treaties (Senate) New START (The New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty) 22/12/10
Investigation Solyndra Loan Investigation 2011
Impeachment, trial, conviction and removal from office
Bill Clinton 1998
Specific Powers of Congress
Example
Subpoena documents and testimony
Solyndra documents November 2011
Hold individuals in contempt
Harriett Miers and Joshua Bolten 25.07.07
Illegal to lie to Congress Roger Clemens 19.08.10
Reject presidential nominees
John G Tower 1989
Learning Objectives
• To identify and explain the concepts of scrutiny and oversight
• To examine congressional checks on the power of the executive
How effective is Congress’ oversight of the executive branch?
45 marks = 45 minutes
Check Effective?
Amend/delay/reject legislation
Override president’s veto
Power of the purse
Declare war
Ratify treaties (Senate)
Investigation
Impeachment, trial, conviction and removal from office
Subpoena documents and testimony
Hold individuals in contemptIllegal to lie to Congress
Reject presidential nominees
How effective is Congress’ oversight of the executive branch?
Homework
Independent Research• Example Bank – Obama presidency 2nd term
examples of powers (i.e. 2012 onwards)Further Reading• House Resolution 292• Presidential Vetoes 1989-2000• White House defends continuing US role in Libya• How effective is Congress? (Handout)
