Question 1

Does the committee system benefit members in pursuit of their goals? Are they giving up too much power?

Accepted Answer

The committee system can benefit members in pursuit of their goals in several ways. First, it allows for more specialized and focused discussions on specific issues, as committees are often formed to address specific topics or areas of interest. This can lead to more thorough and informed decision-making, as members can delve deeper into the details of a particular issue within the smaller group setting.

Additionally, committees can provide opportunities for members to develop expertise in a particular area, as they have the chance to become more deeply involved in the details and nuances of specific topics. This can enhance their credibility and effectiveness as representatives, as they can become go-to experts on certain issues within the larger legislative body.

However, it is also important to consider whether the committee system may result in members giving up too much power. While committees can provide valuable opportunities for members to influence policy and legislation, they can also create a system where a small group of individuals holds significant sway over the decision-making process. This can potentially marginalize the voices and perspectives of other members who are not part of the committee, leading to a concentration of power in the hands of a few.

Ultimately, the benefits and drawbacks of the committee system depend on how it is structured and utilized within a particular legislative body. It is important for members to carefully consider the balance of power and representation within the committee system to ensure that it effectively serves the interests of all members and the constituents they represent.

Question 2

Are members better off with party leaders or committee chairs wielding the most power? Why?
a. How does the level of partisan polarization change things?

Accepted Answer

The answer to whether members are better off with party leaders or committee chairs wielding the most power depends on various factors. Party leaders typically have more influence over the legislative agenda and can control the flow of legislation, while committee chairs have more authority over the specific policy areas within their committees.

In terms of party leaders, having them wield the most power can lead to more cohesive and coordinated legislative efforts within the party. This can be beneficial for members who want to see their party's priorities advanced and for achieving party unity. However, it can also lead to a more top-down approach to decision-making, potentially limiting the input and influence of individual members.

On the other hand, committee chairs wielding the most power can allow for more specialized and in-depth policy expertise to be brought to bear on specific issues. This can be beneficial for members who are looking to advance specific policy goals within their committee's jurisdiction. However, it can also lead to a more fragmented and decentralized approach to legislating, potentially making it more difficult to achieve overall party goals.

The level of partisan polarization can significantly change the dynamics of power within a legislative body. In highly polarized environments, party leaders may have more control over their members, as party loyalty becomes increasingly important. This can make it more difficult for individual members to challenge the party leadership and can limit their ability to influence the legislative process.

On the other hand, in a highly polarized environment, committee chairs may have more autonomy to advance their own policy agendas within their committees. This can be both a blessing and a curse for members, as it can allow for more specialized and focused policy work, but it can also lead to increased gridlock and difficulty in achieving broader legislative goals.

In conclusion, the question of whether members are better off with party leaders or committee chairs wielding the most power is a complex one that depends on the specific context and dynamics of the legislative body in question. The level of partisan polarization can significantly impact the balance of power and the influence of individual members within the legislative process.

Question 3

Is the seniority system an effective way of selecting committee chairs?
a. What other alternatives might there be?

Accepted Answer

The seniority system, which prioritizes members of a legislative body with the longest continuous service when selecting committee chairs, has been a traditional method used in various legislative bodies, including the United States Congress. Whether it is an effective way of selecting committee chairs is a matter of debate, with arguments both for and against it.

**Arguments for the seniority system:**

1. **Experience:** It ensures that the most experienced members, who presumably have a deep understanding of the legislative process and the issues at hand, lead committees.
2. **Stability:** It provides continuity and stability in committee leadership, which can be beneficial for long-term policy development and oversight.
3. **Predictability:** It allows for predictable succession planning, which can reduce internal power struggles and maintain a focus on legislative work rather than on jockeying for leadership positions.
4. **Impartiality:** It is seen as a relatively objective method that does not favor any particular ideology or party faction, as it is based on tenure rather than political maneuvering.

**Arguments against the seniority system:**

1. **Inflexibility:** It can lead to situations where committee chairs may not be the most capable or energetic, as it does not account for individual merit or performance.
2. **Resistance to Change:** Long-serving members may be more resistant to new ideas or innovative approaches, potentially stifling progress and adaptation to changing circumstances.
3. **Lack of Diversity:** It may perpetuate a lack of diversity in leadership positions, as newer members who might bring different perspectives or represent different demographics have to wait longer for leadership roles.

**Alternatives to the seniority system:**

1. **Merit-based Selection:** Committees could select chairs based on demonstrated expertise, effectiveness, and leadership skills, regardless of tenure.
2. **Election by Members:** Committee members could elect their chairs through a vote, potentially considering a combination of seniority, merit, and strategic considerations.
3. **Rotational Leadership:** Implementing a rotational system where the chairmanship is passed around to different members after a certain period could allow for fresh perspectives and prevent entrenchment.
4. **Leadership Appointment:** Party leaders could appoint committee chairs based on a strategic assessment of the party's goals, the skills of individual members, and the needs of the committee.
5. **Hybrid Systems:** A combination of seniority and other factors could be used, where seniority is considered but not the sole determinant of chair selection.

Ultimately, the effectiveness of the seniority system or any alternative method depends on the goals and values of the legislative body in question. The choice of system can significantly impact the efficiency, responsiveness, and representativeness of the legislative process.

Question 4

Should there be term limits for chairing a committee?

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Question 5

Would you rather serve on an authorizing committee or an appropriations committee? Why?

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Question 6

Characterize the history of committees in Congress. When and why did Congress adopt committees? Has the role of committees been the same throughout history? Did the committee system develop uniformly in both chambers? Be specific and provide context when possible.

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Question 7

Is a committee system necessary for the proper functioning of Congress? Be sure to explain what the committee system does for the legislative process and for individual members. Address any tensions between the use of a committee system and any other way of processing legislation. Support your answer with examples when necessary.

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Question 8

The committee system, when in use, can be quite restrictive on the power of individual members of Congress since they are expected to mainly work in the policy area congruent with their committee. Why do members accept a system where their power is restricted?

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Question 9

Compare and contrast the roles and duties of the House and Senate Rules committees.

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Question 10

Describe the seniority system including how is came to exist, what allowed it to persist, what members held the power and any decline it has had. Be specific and include context and examples to make sure your answer is complete and clear.

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Question 11

Which chamber of Congress developed a committee system first and why?

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Question 12

The committee system was the bedrock of the Textbook Congress. In which decade did the system first begin weakening and what change caused this weakening?

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Question 13

When do the House and Senate establish committee jurisdictions?

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Question 14

One of Congress' most important jobs is conducting oversight. What is oversight and what does it involve?

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Question 15

In what ways are Appropriations Committees limited?

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Question 16

After receiving funding suggestions from the Authorizing Committees, the Appropriations Committees do what?

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Question 17

What is the purpose of the Congressional Budget Office and how was it created?

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Question 18

Select Committees deal with issues that do not neatly fall into existing standing committee jurisdictions. Who decides when these committees formed?

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Question 19

Who decides committee membership ratios and what do those ratios usually correspond with?

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Question 20

Unlike in the House, committees dealing with what types of issues tend to be more prestigious in the Senate? Why are these issues of special interest to senators?

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Quiz 7: The Committees