At least the Departments of Justice and the Treasury are carefully monitored by Congress. But America's foreign and defense policies are considered largely within the discretion of the executive branch. Congressional oversight has never been particularly effective. Presidents no longer even have to declare war. Assertions by top State and Defense Department officials cannot be readily checked.
Much information is classified.
Expect even less accountability this time around. Colin Powell, Donald Rumsfeld, and Vice President Dick Cheney are considered seasoned veterans. Rumsfeld was a founding member of the Committee on the Present Danger, which effectively undermined President Jimmy Carter's arms control policies. America is about to begin a Frigid War, at our peril. 12 no. 4, February 26, 2001.