Final answer:
The 'power of the purse' refers to the House of Representatives' ability to control government spending and allocate funds to agencies based on compliance with their directives. This power is granted to Congress by the Constitution and is a crucial tool in ensuring the compliance of the executive branch.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 'power of the purse' refers to the ability of the House of Representatives to control government spending. It is granted to Congress by the Constitution, specifically in Section 9 Clause 7, giving them the authority to appropriate federal funds and determine how they will be distributed. This power allows the House to allocate more money to agencies that follow their directives and cut the budgets of those that do not. By controlling the purse strings, the House of Representatives wields a significant tool in ensuring the compliance of the executive branch.