Congressional Committees Worksheet
Explore the structure, functions, and types of congressional committees in the U.S. government.
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Congressional Committees Worksheet
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Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful answers. This worksheet will test your knowledge of Congressional Committees in the U.S. government.
1. What is the primary purpose of congressional committees?
To elect the President of the United States
To divide the workload and specialize in specific policy areas
To declare war on other nations
To negotiate treaties with foreign powers
2. Which type of committee is a permanent committee that considers specific subject areas?
Select Committee
Joint Committee
Standing Committee
Conference Committee
3. A committee formed to reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill is called a .
4. The most powerful committee in the House of Representatives, which controls the flow of legislation, is the Committee.
5. All bills must pass through a committee before being debated on the floor of the House or Senate.
True
False
6. The party with the majority in each house of Congress also holds the majority of seats on most committees.
True
False
7. Explain the difference between a standing committee and a select committee.
8. Why are committee assignments important to individual members of Congress?
Match each committee type with its description.
9. Standing Committee
a. Formed for a specific purpose, often for a limited time
10. Select Committee
b. Permanent committee focused on a specific policy area
11. Joint Committee
c. Composed of members from both the House and Senate
12. Conference Committee
d. Reconciles differences between House and Senate versions of a bill
The U.S. Capitol building is where both the House of Representatives and the Senate conduct their legislative business, including committee meetings.
13. In your own words, describe how the committee system helps Congress manage the vast amount of legislation it considers each year.