Final answer:
Oversight is the monitoring and review of actions in a democracy. Common oversight functions include auditing, evaluation, and investigation. Examples of oversight bodies and mechanisms include committees, offices, and hearings.
Step-by-step explanation:
Oversight is the process of regularly monitoring and reviewing the actions of agencies or other political actors in a democracy. It involves the legislative and executive branches supervising and limiting each other's powers to prevent the concentration of power. Common oversight functions include auditing, evaluation, and investigation to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability. Examples of oversight bodies and mechanisms include the U.S. House Oversight Committee, the Office of Management and Budget, the Government Accountability Office, and parliamentary hearings.