What checks does Congress have over the Executive Branch?

Congress has significant control over the Executive Branch, particularly through its authority over the federal budget. This power enables Congress to determine funding levels for executive agencies and departments, which directly influences the operations and initiatives undertaken by the President and the administration. By controlling the purse strings, Congress can effectively check the Executive Branch's ability to implement policies or programs that require financial resources. This budgeting role acts as a critical mechanism for legislative oversight, ensuring that the Executive Branch remains accountable to the representatives of the people.

The other options, while significant in their own rights, do not pertain to Congress's direct checks on the Executive Branch in the same way. For instance, the appointment of Supreme Court justices is a power of the President, with the Senate offering advice and consent, but it does not serve as a direct check during the ongoing administration. The power to interpret laws is primarily held by the judiciary, and issuing executive orders is an authority vested in the President, emphasizing executive action rather than legislative oversight.