What form of executive clemency requires the approval of Congress?

Amnesty is a form of executive clemency that involves a group of individuals being pardoned for offenses, often for political reasons. This type of clemency can wipe out legal consequences for a specific group of offenders and often requires the approval of Congress to implement, particularly if it pertains to a large number of individuals or significant political actions. The need for Congressional approval stems from the potential implications and precedents that amnesty can set within the legal and political landscape, serving as a significant policy decision.

In contrast, a pardon, which generally applies to individuals and can be granted by the president without the need for Congressional approval, allows for the forgiveness of a crime and the restoration of rights. Probation and parole pertain more to the conditions of supervision after sentencing and do not constitute forms of clemency. Understanding the nuances of each form of clemency, particularly the need for Congressional involvement in amnesty, is crucial in the context of correctional administration and the broader implications of clemency powers.