The "power of the purse" refers to the ability of a legislative body, particularly a parliament or congress, to control government spending and allocate funds. This power is a fundamental aspect of a legislature's authority, as it has the final say in how public money is raised and spent. In the context of the U.S. government, for example, it is a key function of Congress, which must approve the federal budget and any spending bills before the government can allocate resources. This power is considered a major check on executive power, as it allows the legislature to influence or constrain the actions of the executive branch (such as the president and executive agencies) through its control over financial resources. The "power of the purse" ensures that the elected representatives in a democracy have a significant role in shaping public policy by determining where and how taxpayer money is spent.