Committee Work Congressional committees are small groups of members of both parties, led by a chairperson, who look closely at proposed legislation on specific topics, such as "labor" or "foreign affairs." Read more Worksheet (PDF) | Vocabulary
Fun Fact
Members of Congress can serve on two, three or four different committees as well as serve on subcommittees at one time.
Capitol Question
On some congressional committees the majority has a huge advantage and on others there is a more equal division of seats. How are the numbers of Republicans and Democrats on each committee determined? Answer
Learn More Watch a portion of any committee hearing. Describe the roles of the members. What skills and knowledge come to play in committee work?
Review Quiz
1. Name at least one committee in Congress. What kinds of things do they investigate?
2. Which legislative body interviews a potential Supreme Court Justice? Which committee within that body?
3. Which party controls who is appointed to the different committees: the majority or the minority party?
4. True or False: members can not be on more than 4 committees at any one time.
IN THE COMMUNITY
