Evaluate the view that Congress Effectively hold the President to Account.

Introduction

Paragraph Focus

• Para 1 = Oversight Powers

• Para 2 = Foreign Policy

• Paar 3 = Impeachments

Para 1 = Weaker Argument - Not Effectively

• eg. 2020, the Trump administration refused to cooperate with congressional subpoenas during the impeachment inquiry

• this demonstrates the limitations of congressional oversight when the executive branch refuses the comply

• this prevents them from being properly held to account and puts into question their democratic legitimacy to make decisions

Para 1 = Stronger Argument - Effectively

• eg. March 2026, Chairman James Comer of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform issued a subpoena for Attorney General Pam Bondi to appear for testimony due to the “possible mismanagement” of the investigation of Jeffery Epstein

• this shows that Congress is effective in holding the executive to account by using committees to carry out the oversight function

• this prevents the executive from becoming too powerful and acting without checks

Para 2 = Weaker Argument - Not Effectively

• eg. Feb 2026, Trump ordered air strikes on 3 key Iranian nuclear sites, killing Iran’s supreme leader and 40 senior figures without congressional approval

• this reflects a pattern of presidents engaging in isolated military action without congressional approval, bypassing Article 1 of the constitution which gives congress sole power to declare war (link to US Constitution

Para 2 = Stronger Argument - Effectively

• eg. Congress passed the bipartisan Iran War Powers Resolution to limit Trump’s ability to engage in military hostilities against Iran without explicit congressional authorisation

Para 3 = Weaker Argument - Not Effectively

the Senate acquitted President Trump despite evidence of wrongdoing during his impeachment trial. This shows the high threshold required for removal.

• no success in removing a sitting president

• porbs due to partisan voting, and majorities in senate which prevent congress from effectively holding the president to account

Para 3 = Stronger Argument - Effectively

• eg. 2021, the House of Reps impeached President Trump for incitement to insurrection

• this demonstrates how Congress effectively holds the president to account by taking action againstt the president for misconduct