Which of the following best describes the role of whips in Congress?

The role of whips in Congress is crucial for maintaining party discipline and ensuring that members are aligned with the party's strategic goals during voting. Whips are responsible for gathering votes and polling membership, which involves counting how many members of their party are likely to support or oppose particular legislation. This task is important because it allows party leadership to gauge the level of support for initiatives and make decisions on how to proceed with legislative strategies.

By communicating with party members and encouraging them to vote in line with the party's position, whips help facilitate the legislative process, ensuring that a party can effectively push its agenda through Congress. This function directly influences the outcome of votes and the overall effectiveness of the legislative body.

In contrast, the other roles mentioned, such as executing budget management or conducting impeachment proceedings, are not typically associated with the responsibilities of whips. The creation of the legislative agenda is handled by party leaders and committee chairs rather than by whips. Thus, the role of gathering votes and polling membership accurately encapsulates the essential function of whips in Congress.