Question

1. Describe one way in which the committee system impacts legislation.

2. Describe one difference between the role played by party leaders in the House and the role played by party leaders in the Senate.
3. Explain one reason why it is difficult for party leaders to control the way the members of their party vote on legislation.

Answer 1

Q1: Through investigations and hearings, committees gather information on national and international problems within their jurisdiction in order to draft, consider, and recommend legislation to the full membership of the Senate. Only a small percentage of bills considered by committees reach the Senate floor.

Q2: The U.S. Congress is often referred to as a single entity, but it’s actually a combination of two distinct groups: the House of Representatives and the Senate. While both houses of Congress work together to propose and enact the laws that govern our country, the differences between the House and Senate ensure that each chamber in this bicameral (“two room”) system has distinct roles and responsibilities.