US Legislature Flashcards
What is the function of the standing committee?
- Hold hearings, listen to witnesses and vote on bills to pass on chamber floors
- Membership is proportionate to the rest of congress
Senate standing committee reviews presidential candidates
-Permanent
Strengths of a standing committee
- High profile and televised, public accountability
- Broadly representative
- Long term members can become experts in an area
Weaknesses of a standing committee
- Target of lobbying campaigns
- Susceptible to politicised voting
Example of a standing committees actions
-2016, Obama nominated Garland for the SC, opposed by the committee who refused to vote on the issue.
Function of Select Committee
- Deal with specific urgent issues and relieve workload of standing committees
- Do not work on specific legislation
Temporary
Strengths of select committee
Hugh profile, detailed investigations and hearings.
In the interest of democracy and good government.
Power to investigate executive ensures scrutiny
Weaknesses of select committees?
Politicised and divided - Reduces public image & divided conclusions e.g Benghazi
Example of select committee
2020 - Senate select committee investigated Russian influence in the 2016 election.
Functions of the House Rules Committee
Sets rules on bills going to the house floor (time, amendments)
Dominated by majority party
Speaker nominates the committee
Strengths of house rules committee
Can force a bill to be debated through a discharge position
Weaknesses of house rules bill
Forcing bills not easily done.
Number of closed bills increased, not subject to scrutiny therefore.
Less chance to impact legislation for the minority party.
Chair of the committee important, and therefore targeted by corp donors and pressure groups.
