How can Congress use its power of the purse to impact the agenda of the executive branch?

Question

(1 point)
Congress could force the executive branch to fund its own departments and agencies.
Congress could eliminate executive departments or agencies.
Congress could stop programs or plans proposed by the executive branch from being implemented.
Congress could encourage the executive branch to fund certain departments or agencies.

Answer 1

Congress can use its power of the purse to impact the agenda of the executive branch in several ways, including:

1. Stopping Programs or Plans: Congress could stop programs or plans proposed by the executive branch from being implemented by withholding funding. If Congress does not allocate funds for a particular initiative, the executive branch may be unable to carry it out.

2. Encouraging Funding: Congress could encourage the executive branch to fund certain departments or agencies by allocating money specifically for those purposes. This can influence the priorities and focus of the executive branch.

3. Eliminating Departments or Agencies: Congress has the power to eliminate executive departments or agencies by prohibiting funding for them. If Congress chooses not to allocate funds, those entities can become effectively nonfunctional.

However, the statement "Congress could force the executive branch to fund its own departments and agencies" is incorrect because Congress holds the power to allocate funds, and the executive branch cannot be compelled to fund itself without congressional approval.

In conclusion, the correct answers to how Congress can use its power of the purse to impact the agenda of the executive branch include stopping programs or plans and encouraging funding for specific areas.