Committees in Congress
I. Characteristics
A. Subject Oriented
B. Policy Makers
C. Policy Overseers
D. Stable Membership
E. Independence - Decentralized
F. Source of Fragmentation
G. Majority Party Dominance
B. Sub-Committees (House; Senate)
C. Joint
E. Conference (Reports from 110th Congress)
F. House Committee of the Whole House
III. Committee Assignments
B. Senate Processes (detailed explanation)
B. Three Goals of Members in Seeking Assignments
1. Enhance Chances of Re-Electability
2. Influence Specific Policy Arenas
3. Gain Power Broadly
IV. Committee Leadership
A. Selection
B. Chairperson's Powers
C. Staff
V. Policy Making
A. Overlapping Jurisdiction (example)
B. Multiple Referrals
C. Hearings
D. Markups
Key Web Sites
Power Point Presentation: Parties and Leaders in Congress
List of House Members of Committees and Subcommittees