This branch of government is empowered to apply oversight of the federal bureaucracy because of its power to control funding, among other factors.

This branch of government is empowered to apply oversight of the federal bureaucracy because of its power to control funding, among other factors.

• A. Judicial Branch
• B. Executive Branch
• C. Legislative Branch
• D. State Government

Answer: (C)

Congress—the Legislative Branch—holds the purse strings, so it can approve, modify, or withhold funding for federal agencies. That budgeting power is a primary way it directs and constrains how agencies operate, implement programs, and carry out laws. Beyond funding, congressional committees conduct hearings and investigations that scrutinize bureaucratic actions, demand reports, and compel transparency. The Senate’s power to confirm or reject appointments to top agency positions also shapes how agencies carry out policy. This combination of budgeting, oversight, and appointment control gives the Legislative Branch the authority to oversee the federal bureaucracy. The Judicial Branch interprets laws and settles disputes; the Executive Branch runs agencies but does not have the same sustained funding-control leverage, and State Government operates at a level outside the federal system.

Congress—the Legislative Branch—holds the purse strings, so it can approve, modify, or withhold funding for federal agencies. That budgeting power is a primary way it directs and constrains how agencies operate, implement programs, and carry out laws. Beyond funding, congressional committees conduct hearings and investigations that scrutinize bureaucratic actions, demand reports, and compel transparency. The Senate’s power to confirm or reject appointments to top agency positions also shapes how agencies carry out policy. This combination of budgeting, oversight, and appointment control gives the Legislative Branch the authority to oversee the federal bureaucracy. The Judicial Branch interprets laws and settles disputes; the Executive Branch runs agencies but does not have the same sustained funding-control leverage, and State Government operates at a level outside the federal system.