Evaluate the view that Congress is effective in its oversight function Flashcards
(13 cards)
Point 1: What facilitates detailed scrutiny in legislative processes?
Lengthy legislative processes facilitate detailed scrutiny.
Example: The Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024, introduced in July 2024 by Senators Joe Manchin and John Barrasso, underwent extensive committee reviews and debates.
Point 1: What is an example of detailed scrutiny in Supreme Court nominee hearings?
The Senate Judiciary Committee’s confirmation hearings for Justices involved comprehensive evaluations of their qualifications.
Example: Justices Gorsuch (2017) and Barrett (2020).
Counter-Argument 1: What is a counter-argument to lengthy legislative processes facilitating scrutiny?
Lengthy bills may obscure comprehensive scrutiny.
Example: The CARES Act (2020) [$2 trillion relief] passed with limited scrutiny due to its size and urgency. rise in concerns about provision not aligning with initial goals
Counter-Argument 1: What is an example of limited scrutiny due to a lengthy bill?
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (2009) faced criticism for including unrelated spending items due to urgency.
Example: Criticism for ‘pork-barrel’ spending since the economic crisis urgency was limited through examination
Point 2: How does divided government enhance oversight?
Divided government enhances oversight through partisan checks.
Example: 2016 garland nomination rejection
Point 2: What is an example of oversight during divided governance?
In 2019, the Democratic-controlled House launched investigations into President Trump’s administration, including an impeachment inquiry.
Counter-Argument 2: What is a counter-argument to divided government enhancing oversight?
Unified government may reduce oversight due to party alignment.
Example: During the 117th Congress, Democrats held the House, Senate, and the presidency. House committees conducted approximately 20% fewer executive oversight hearings compared to the 116th Congress
Counter-Argument 2: What is an example of reduced oversight during unified government?
In March 2025, President Trump’s dismissal of two Democratic FTC commissioners exemplified reduced oversight during unified government, raising concerns about the politicization of independent agencies and weakening consumer protections.
Point 3: What establishes essential checks and balances in government?
Separation of powers establishes essential checks and balances.
Point 3: What is an example of Congress asserting its role in military actions?
The War Powers Resolution (1973) influences congressional-executive relations In 2019, Congress invoked the War Powers Resolution to challenge President Trump’s military actions in the Middle East.
Counter-Argument 3: What is a counter-argument to separation of powers establishing checks?
The executive’s use of executive orders can undermine congressional oversight.
Example: President Trump issued 220 executive orders during his term, 55 per year.
What is an example of an executive order bypassing congressional oversight?
In March 2025, President Trump signed an executive order to restructure the Department of Education without seeking congressional approval.
Counter-Argument 3: What is another example of executive orders raising concerns?
Trump’s administration implemented key immigration policies via executive orders without prior congressional consent.
Example: Travel bans on predominantly Muslim countries.
