Legislative Oversight

Legislative oversight refers to the process by which a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, monitors and evaluates the activities, decisions, and policies of the executive branch of government and its various agencies. This function is essential for ensuring accountability, transparency, and adherence to the law within the government.

Legislative oversight can involve various activities, including holding hearings, conducting investigations, reviewing budgets and expenditures, and issuing reports on government performance. It allows legislators to assess the effectiveness of programs and policies, identify issues or inefficiencies, and ensure that the executive branch is implementing laws as intended by the legislature.

Oversight can be formalized through specific committee structures dedicated to monitoring government activities, or it can be conducted informally through member inquiries and interaction with governmental officials. The goal of legislative oversight is to safeguard democratic principles and maintain the rule of law by holding the executive accountable for its actions and decisions.