Congressional Committees and Legislation

The video explains the committee system in Congress, highlighting its role in improving efficiency by allowing members to specialize. It discusses how political parties influence committee composition and the benefits of high-profile committee assignments. The video also covers the concept of pork barrel politics, where committee positions are used to add local benefits to bills. Key committees like the Ways and Means and Rules Committee are also discussed, emphasizing their significance in legislative processes.

Why is the committee system considered essential for Congress?

• It enables members to specialize in specific areas.

• It allows Congress to meet more frequently.

• It reduces the number of bills Congress needs to pass.

• It increases the number of members in Congress.

How are members of Congress typically assigned to committees?

• By random selection

• Based on their seniority

• By party leaders

• Through public voting

What determines the composition of committees in Congress?

• The geographical location of members

• The President's preference

• The majority party in each house

• The number of bills a committee handles

What is a potential benefit of being assigned to a high-profile committee?

• Greater media attention and campaign support

• More vacation days

• Automatic re-election

• Increased salary

How can party leaders use committee assignments to maintain loyalty?

• By allowing them to skip sessions

• By offering financial incentives

• By assigning members to prestigious committees

• By reducing their workload

What is 'pork' in the context of legislation?

• A type of tax

• A nickname for wasteful spending items in bills

• A committee rule

• A legislative procedure

Why might a member of Congress add 'pork' to a bill?

• To benefit their constituents

• To reduce the bill's length

• To increase transparency

• To comply with party rules

What is the primary role of the Ways and Means Committee?

• To regulate interstate commerce

• To write tax legislation

• To oversee military spending

• To manage foreign affairs

Why do tax bills traditionally start in the House of Representatives?

• Because the Senate is too busy

• Because the President prefers it

• Because the House was originally elected by the people

• Because the House has fewer members

What is the function of the Rules Committee in the House?

• To appoint committee members

• To establish rules for debate on bills

• To draft new laws

• To manage the budget