Which statement best explains how Congress uses its power of the purse to facilitate oversight of executive departments?

by withholding all money from executive departments and agencies
by approving presidential budget requests
by providing or withholding money from executive departments and agencies
by deciding whether taxes will be raised

1 answer

The statement that best explains how Congress uses its power of the purse to facilitate oversight of executive departments is: by providing or withholding money from executive departments and agencies.

Congress has the authority to allocate funds for government activities through the appropriations process. By controlling the purse strings, Congress can influence and oversee the actions of executive departments and agencies. They can approve funding for specific programs or initiatives, but they can also choose to withhold funding if they believe there is a need for additional oversight or accountability. This power allows Congress to exercise its oversight role and ensure that executive departments and agencies are functioning effectively and in accordance with congressional priorities.