How can Congress influence the Executive Branch’s actions?

Congress influences the Executive Branch's actions primarily through legislation and budgetary control. One of the most significant ways Congress exerts its power is by passing laws that dictate how executive agencies operate and setting the priorities of governmental functions. Legislative acts can establish guidelines, create or abolish agencies, and define the scope of executive responsibilities, thereby shaping policy direction.

Moreover, Congress wields considerable influence over the budget, as it holds the power to allocate funding. By controlling financial resources, Congress can effectively compel the Executive Branch to align its priorities with those of the legislature. For instance, if Congress does not approve funding for a specific initiative, the Executive Branch may be forced to abandon or significantly modify its plans. This budgetary control is a powerful tool that allows Congress to ensure that the Executive Branch acts in accordance with legislative intent and priorities.

In contrast, judicial reviews are initiated by the courts rather than Congress, executive orders can only be issued by the President, and while public opinion surveys can inform the actions of the Executive Branch, they do not serve as a direct method of congressional influence.