1.6 The Committee System

Flashcards covering the key concepts from the lecture on the Committee System in Congress.

Committee Functions

Handle legislation, conduct investigations of the executive branch, and conduct oversight of executive branch agencies.

Selection of committee members

Members are assigned to committees to serve constituents and increase chances of reelection.

Committee chairman

The leader of a committee, responsible for setting the agenda and hiring staff, typically from the majority party.

Seniority system

A method for selecting committee chairs based on the longest-serving member of the majority party on that committee.

House Rules Committee

The most powerful committee in the House that sets the legislative calendar and establishes rules for debate.

Ways and Means Committee

House committee that deals with tax bills.

Appropriations Committee

Committee responsible for spending bills, authorizing expenditure and providing actual funding.

Conference committee

A temporary committee comprised of members of both houses to resolve differences in a bill.

Select Committee

A committee appointed by a house for a limited, temporary purpose to study an issue or conduct an investigation.

Joint Committee

A committee composed of members from both houses for temporary purposes.