Question

staff specialists provide members with factual information on virtually any subject; and 3. the government accountability office, also called congress watchdog because it has broad authority to monitor the work of the federal government and report its findings to congress. one notable investigation was a year - long senate probe into the activities of intelligence agencies beginning in 1975. the investigation revealed that the cia, fbi, and nsa had abused their powers by wiretapping, monitoring mail, and otherwise monitoring u.s. citizens. the investigation led to the creation of a special court to ensure oversight of surveillance activities. another example is a lengthy house probe related to the 2012 attack on an american diplomatic building in benghazi, libya, and the obama administrations handling of the events before and after the attack. in its final report, the house select committee on benghazi issued a rebuke to officials in the state department, the defense department, and the central intelligence agency. apply concepts from what source does congress get its investigative powers? list the five main reasons that committees in congress conduct investigations.

Explanation:

Congress's investigative powers stem from the implied powers of the U.S. Constitution (Article I, which establishes Congress's authority to legislate and conduct necessary actions to fulfill its duties, as well as inherent powers tied to its role as a legislative body). The five main reasons congressional committees conduct investigations are:

1. To gather information needed to draft legislation effectively.
2. To oversee and monitor the implementation and execution of federal laws by executive agencies.
3. To investigate alleged wrongdoing, corruption, or abuse of power by government officials or agencies.
4. To educate the public and members of Congress on important national issues through the findings of the probe.
5. To ensure accountability of the executive branch to the legislative branch and the public.

Answer:

1. Source of Congress's investigative powers: Implied powers from the U.S. Constitution (Article I, along with inherent legislative oversight authority).
2. Five main reasons for congressional committee investigations:

• To gather legislative information
• To oversee executive agency actions
• To probe official wrongdoing
• To inform Congress and the public
• To enforce executive branch accountability