Legislative Oversight and Budgeting : A World Perspective

Abstract

Effective legislatures are fundamental
\n to promoting good governance and are a critical component in
\n a country's overall governance framework. Although
\n differences exist across government systems, legislatures,
\n through their constitutional mandates, fulfill three core
\n functions: representation, lawmaking, and oversight.
\n Governance goals of greater accountability, transparency,
\n and participation are directly related to these three
\n functions. Legislative oversight in particular seeks to
\n ensure that the executive and its agencies, or those to whom
\n authority is delegated, remain responsive and accountable.
\n This volume looks at oversight as a continuous and ongoing
\n cycle. Legislatures may examine government policies as they
\n are being developed or work to ensure that programs are
\n implemented and administered efficiently, effectively, and
\n in a manner consistent with legislative intent. In addition,
\n this book highlights the important opportunities provided
\n for oversight during the budget cycle. At the same time, the
\n authors recognize the many factors and incentives
\n legislators face that may assist or impede them in playing
\n their oversight role.