Congressional Committees and Their Functions

Which type of congressional committee is generally permanent and handles the day-to-day business of Congress?

• Special committees

• Select committees

• Standing committees

• Conference committees

What is one of the primary reasons Congress divides its work into committees?

• To allow for more public debate on every bill.

• To ensure all members have equal power in legislation.

• To increase efficiency in writing legislation and develop member expertise.

• To reduce the number of bills introduced each session.

What power allows a committee chairperson to decide which issues are considered by the committee?

• Oversight power

• Proposal power

• Mark-up authority

• Gatekeeping authority

What happens to a proposed bill if it fails to receive a majority of votes within its assigned committee?

• It is automatically sent to a joint committee for review.

• It is immediately put to a vote on the floor of the House or Senate.

• It "dies in committee" and is not reported out to the full chamber.

• It is returned to the original member for revisions.

How do congressional committees exercise oversight power?

• By directly vetoing presidential executive orders.

• By assigning staff to scrutinize laws and policies and holding hearings.

• By appointing Supreme Court justices.

• By negotiating treaties with foreign nations.

What was a significant change made by Newt Gingrich regarding the Speaker of the House's power?

• He decreased the number of subcommittees.

• He reduced the Speaker's influence over committee chair appointments.

• He made seniority the sole factor in appointing committee chairs.

• He transferred power from the Speaker to individual committee members.

How were committee chairs typically chosen before Newt Gingrich's reforms?

• Through a vote by all members of Congress.

• By the Speaker of the House's direct appointment.

• The longest-serving member of the majority party on the committee.

• A lottery system among committee members.

What are the two main types of congressional staff?

• Legislative staff and administrative staff.

• Staff assistants for individual members and staff agencies for Congress as a whole.

• Policy advisors and constituent service representatives.

• Committee staff and leadership staff.

Which congressional staff agency is responsible for assessing the likely costs and impacts of proposed legislation?

• The Congressional Research Service (CRS).

• The Government Accountability Office (GAO).

• The Congressional Budget Office (CBO).

• The Office of Legislative Counsel (OLC).

What is the primary purpose of congressional caucuses?

• To formally vote on legislation before it reaches the full chamber.

• To provide a platform for like-minded members to discuss ideas and coordinate efforts.

• To serve as official legislative bodies with binding decision-making power.

• To elect the Speaker of the House and other party leaders.