Question

Few powers were given to the Senate by the constitution framers with a view of making it the constitutional watchdog over President’s executive powers. Justify this empowerment of the Senate.

Answer 1

The Senate’s powers as the watchdog over the President’s executive powers can be justified in the following ways.

1. The President of USA cannot sign any treaty without the approval of the Senate. The treaties must be approved by two-thirds of the Senators.
2. The President of USA cannot make any appointments without the Senate’s approval. This also applies to the appointment of the officials in the states.
3. The President must seek the advice of the two senators of that particular state where he/she wishes to appoint officials. If he/she fails to do so, all the senators in the Senate irrespective of which political party they belong to would unanimously stand against the President.