Summary
Summary Congress v Parliament
- Module
- Politics
- Institution
- Queens University Belfast (QUB)
Congress v Parliament
[Show more]
1 review
By: jwishart786 • 6 year ago
Content preview
"The US Congress is a much more effective scrutinising body than the UK Parliament". Evaluate this view.Para Key Points Key Points
1 Fundamental differences in political systems. Add this - higher levels party loyalty, party
Levels of scrutiny operate over Executives impacted upon. discipline, effective patronage + subservient 2nd
US codified constitution - entrenches limits on executive = chamber - converse of these points - true in
advantage Congress - this framework is absent in Britain. Congress.
Britain - Executive + legislature fused members either Make Congress more effective scrutinising body.
chamber of Parliament. Argue - congressional oversight only effective
US - S.O.P ensure those being scrutinised + those carrying when Congress - not controlled by Presidents
it out - two separate groups. party + Congress = more partisan.
2 Select committees - reformed 1979. Several outspoken hearings - highly critical of
Resulting outcome - Cttee. = US counterpart, well gov. whips tried to remove her + reinstated after
resourced + sweeping powers. backbench rebellion.
In past -system undermined party leaders. Criticism DSC - influential position of chair -
Make-up - similar to strengths in Commons = guaranteed, determined by whips - selected loyal MPs who
built in loyal majority. Members - vow of silence in tone down criticism, especially appointments -
committee hearings. most important DSC's.
Mid-term elections - President rare majority own party. Levels of scrutiny improved - Wright Committee
Duration of office term, even if he majority their loyalty be recommendations 2010 DSC chairs = elected
with constituents + interest groups. within party groups - secret ballot - (AV system).
Removed committee members - too indep. Gwyneth Candidates - rep. for indep.
Dunwoody reputation - indep. + Chair Transport Cttee Remit - widened - scrutinise legislation + hearings
1997-08. on public appointments.
Ministers ignored summons to attend unlike
American counter parts - no power of subpoena.
3 Gov. no obligation respond. British Cttee = poorly funded Cttee - investigate actions/policies any member.
+ resourced = limited ability carry out research. Set of G.W.Bush - national security 9/11 was
institutions - end up actively helping gov - neutralise investigated.
criticism. Steny Hoyer D. - oversight activity low in 2003-04
Select Cttee - 2 main ones - PAC - critiques gov. spending + only 37 investigative hearings.
50 reports per year. Headed by Margaret Hodge (Labour). Bush lucky Republican party control both houses
Liaison Cttee - grills PM twice a year - manner of all topics - coincided low congressional oversight levels.
from 32 chairs. (14/32 from official opposition). Trend changed - mid terms 2006. Bush faced
Congress oversight methods - less numerous but more feisty chairs - Patrick Leahy - Senate Judiciary
effective. Cttee.
Senate - confirm appointments - judiciary, Executive Robert Byrd D. "Congress is not a rubber stamp
appointments, cabinet etc - simple majority. or presidential lapdog, obedient +
Power of investigation e.g. Nixon - Watergate + eventual unquestioning. oversight, among our most
impeachment + trial - Clinton Monica Lewinsky scandal. important responsibilities + oversight lacking far
Rejection of appointments to judiciary - Harriett Myers too long".
2006. Steny Hoyer 'Today..new day in Congress, see no
Critics - confirmation of appointments - overtly politicised. evil, hear no evil, speak no evil, are over. US
Reagan's nomination Robert Bork 1987 rejected by Congress no longer be potted plant/signer of
Democrat controlled Senate. blank cheques.'
4 Impeachment = ultimate check. Congress formally accuse Congressional oversight - more assertive.
any Executive branch members + president. Passage of curbing legislation Case Act 1972,
2 Presidents A. Johnson 1868 + Clinton 1998 impeached - War Powers Act 1973 + Budget + Impoundment
17 times 1789. Act 1974.
HOR - power of impeachment + Senate conducts trial. Congress declare war = problematic check.
1998 -HOR passed 2 articles against Clinton - perjury + War Powers Act 1973 - limit presidents use of
obstruction of Justice. troops unless Congress declare war or give
Simple majority start impeachment process. 'specific statutory authorisation'.
Found guilt - 2/3's majority accused person removed from Congress sole power declare war - congress not
office. done since 1941.
Clinton found 'not guilty' on both articles. Senator Ron Wyden - CIA Director John Brennan
3 federal judges 1980's - found guilty + removed. confirmation hearing objecting Obama's ability
Nixon resigned rather than face certain impeachment + kill American citizens overseas - drone strikes
conviction by Senate over Watergate scandal. e.g. Yemen. Replied 'last resort' + Obama right
secretly assassinate under 'covert action law'
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller MarkC57. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £4.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
62890 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy revision notes and other study material for 14 years now