Question

Read the text and answer the question.

In 1973, the US Senate convened the Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities, also known as the Senate Watergate Committee, to determine whether President Richard Nixon engaged in “illegal, improper, and unethical conduct” during the 1972 presidential campaign. The committee gathered evidence that led directly to criminal charges and convictions of numerous administration officials and eventually the introduction of articles of impeachment against the president.

Which congressional power did the Senate use in the described example?

A.
Congress's investigative powers

B.
Congress's legislative powers

C.
Congress's advice and consent powers

D.
Congress's appointment confirmation powers

Answer 1

A. Congress's investigative powers

The Senate formed a select committee (the Watergate Committee) to hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, and gather evidence — actions that are exercises of Congress's investigative/oversight authority.