oversight - congress

• Does Congress fulfil its oversight function effectively?- NO

  no successful impeachment

  presidents can bypass the senate via executive agreements

  purposely block candidates to make the other party look bad partisanship

  unified gov leads to a lack of oversight
• does congress fulfil its oversight function effectively? -YES

  senate can block presidents' nominations if deemed insufficient committees scrutinise executive actions

  divided gov leads to good oversight
• what is the senate and president's role in treaties?

  senate must ratify any treaties that the president negotiates
• who else can congress can impeach other than the president?

  other gov officials
• for what reasons can congress try to impeach a president?

  bribery, treason or other high crimes and misdemeanours
• for what other reason can the senate block a nomination?

  partisan reasons
• what has the senate confirmation of nominees been criticised for?

  being greatly politicised
• what does the senate confirmation of nominees encourage presidents to do?

  nominate high quality individuals
• is it common for the senate to refuse appointments?

  no
• what is needed for many presidential appointments?

  senate confirmation
• what does the Government Accountability Office do?

  supports congress to investigate and audit the executive - however it's been reduced in size
• what does the threat of investigation act as?

  motivation to the executive to ensure it's actions are legal and responsible
• what do committees do during oversight?

  hold meetings, subpoena witnesses to provide info for the investigation
• who investigates the actions of the executive?

  standing and select committees
• if a president has a high approval rating is oversight weaker or stronger?

  weaker
• when is oversight weaker?

  during times of a unified government
• when is there an incentive to investigate government?

  when it's a divided government
• is oversight mentioned in the constitution?

  no - an implied power
• What is oversight?

  process by which Congress oversees and scrutinises the activities of the federal gov.