Exploring the Role of Congressional Committees

This committee is where all tax bills originate.

• The House Budget Committee

• The Senate Budget Committee

• The House Ways and Means Committee

What type of committee is permanent and deals with day-to-day business in Congress?

• Standing Committee

• Joint Committee

• Select Committee

• Conference Committee

What is the primary reason Congress is divided into committees?

• To complicate the legislative process

• To increase the number of meetings

• To make the legislative process more efficient

• To create more positions for politicians

What authority allows committee chairs to decide which bills are considered?

• Proposal Power

• Gatekeeping Authority

• Oversight Power

• Markup Authority

What happens to a bill that doesn't receive a majority of votes in a committee?

• It is sent back for revision

• It dies in committee

• It is immediately passed to the President

• It is voted on by the entire House or Senate

Who had a significant impact on the structure of Congress in 1994?

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• Newt Gingrich

• Nancy Pelosi

What is the role of the Congressional Research Service?

• To score the bill

• To investigate Congresspeople

• To perform unbiased factual research

• To make coffee for Congresspeople

What is a caucus in the context of Congress?

• A type of committee

• A semi-formal group organized around particular interests

• A formal legislative process

• A voting system

Which caucus focuses on conservative issues?

• The Bike Caucus

• The Congressional Black Caucus

• The Republican Study Group

• The Tea Party Caucus

What is the main purpose of committees, staff, and caucuses in Congress?

• To complicate the legislative process

• To make the lawmaking process more efficient

• To increase the number of jobs in Congress

• To ensure that all bills are passed