When bills are introduced, they are sent to a committee for study. Most of them are killed here and never get to the floor for a vote. Congress deals with many areas and splitting bills by subjects is necessary for practical reasons. No one congressman can be expected to be an expert in every area.
Another, perhaps less desirable but important feature of committees is that they provide a way for senior Congressmen, particularly majority party members to wield power and control legislation. Committee chair positions and membership of important committees is made on a seniority basis.
Both the House and the Senate depend upon committees to effectively consider the bills that are proposed each session. A Senator or Representative would be unable to read and handle all the bills that are introduced or studied in the course of a session. The committee system serves several functions. It allows members of Congress to divide their work among smaller groups. Lawmakers can become specialists in specific fields. Committees select those bills that deserve further consideration. By holding hearings, committees can investigate and help the public learn about the problems facing the nation.
Both "a" and "b" are reasons for the organization of congress into committees
Committees are the backbone of Congress. ANYTHING that gets done is Congress has gone through committees and subcommittees. They control whether legislation dies or passes.
joint committees
If most bills are handled by joint committees, how might the purpose and structure of Congress be affected??
joint committee
members of both the house and the senate
Regular committees within the congress are known as standing committees.
Standing committees are permanent committees in Congress. They have set agendas and make decisions about things that need constant attention.
The permanent committees of Congress are called a standing committee. The standing committees of each house are controlled by the majority leader.
Standing Committees are the key power center in Congress.
It is because the congress come up with better ideas in committees.
Standing committees
Committees are the backbone of Congress. ANYTHING that gets done is Congress has gone through committees and subcommittees. They control whether legislation dies or passes.
Most of the work that is done by the legislative branch is done in committees.
joint committees
the committees of correspondence
Most work in Congress is done in committees. Members of Congress are placed on various committees depending upon whether they are members of the majority or minority party, and by their seniority. Sub-committees may also be created with members of Congress and aides. The committees investigate and hold hearings to determine what type of legislation should be recommended to the full Congress.
the US congress