Government 12.2 Committees in Congress Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are Standing Committees?

Temporary panels set up for a special purpose

Divisions of standing committees

Permanent panels in each house of Congress (correct)

Composed of members from both houses

What are Subcommittees?

Committees set up for a special purpose

Divisions of standing committees that do most committee work (correct)

Committees made up of members of both houses

Temporary committees created to settle bill differences

What is a Select Committee?

A committee set up for a special purpose and often for a limited time.

What is a Joint Committee?

A committee made up of members of both houses. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a Conference Committee?

To settle differences in versions of a bill passed by each house of Congress. Signup and view all the answers

How do Standing Committees function?

When a bill is introduced, it is referred to the standing committee that deals with its subject matter. Signup and view all the answers

What are the responsibilities of the House Rules Committee?

It controls which bills make it to the floor of the House. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of select committees?

To investigate specific issues, often as temporary panels. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the functions of joint and conference committees.

Joint committees coordinate efforts on specific subjects while conference committees settle differences in legislation. Signup and view all the answers

How do committees help Congress do its work?

They review, modify bills, and conduct investigations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Committees in Congress

Standing Committees: Permanent groups in Congress responsible for specific areas of legislation.
Subcommittees: Subdivisions of standing committees that handle specific tasks within the committee's broader agenda.
Select Committees: Created for a unique purpose, typically to address a specific issue or investigation for a limited duration.
Joint Committees: Composed of members from both the House and Senate, aimed at coordinating efforts on particular subjects.
Conference Committees: Temporary joint committees formed to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill, ensuring consistent legislation.

Functioning of Committees

Standing Committees' Role: When a bill is introduced, it is assigned to a relevant standing committee, which assesses its viability before it reaches the floor for voting. Most legislative decisions occur within these committees.
House Rules Committee Responsibilities: This committee regulates the scheduling of bills for debate in the House, possessing the authority to expedite, postpone, or prevent action on proposed legislation.

Special Committees

Select Committees' Investigative Role: These ad-hoc committees may investigate significant issues. Notable examples include the Senate Watergate Committee and the Iran-Contra Committee, which explored critical political scandals and irregularities.

Comparison of Committee Functions

Joint vs. Conference Committees:
- Joint committees facilitate collaboration between the houses on shared tasks, while conference committees seek to create a unified version of a bill when differing versions exist.

Overall Importance of Committees

Committees streamline congressional operations by reviewing and modifying legislation, making informed recommendations regarding bills for floor votes. Their subdivisions (subcommittees) conduct extensive analysis, enabling efficient lawmaking. Select committees address unique challenges, while joint committees ensure cohesive approaches to legislative issues.

Description

Test your knowledge on various types of committees in Congress with this flashcard quiz. Learn about standing committees, subcommittees, select committees, and joint committees. Perfect for students studying government and political science.