Final answer:
Congress uses a committee system to effectively manage the multitude of issues it must address by specializing in various subject areas, allowing for in-depth review and detailed legislative work. This structure also enables Congress to exercise oversight over the executive branch and maintain a balance of power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Congress uses a committee system to manage the vast array of responsibilities and legislative duties it holds. With 535 members across both chambers of Congress, the division of labor is necessary to ensure that a wide range of domestic and international issues are addressed effectively and efficiently. These specialized committees, which include standing, sub, special or select, and joint committees, allow for a focus on particular subject areas where bills originate and most congressional agenda-setting occurs.
Standing committees are permanent and cover specific jurisdictions, leading to a structured review of legislation. Within these committees, subcommittees drill down into more detailed aspects of a proposal. The committee system not only dictates the pace of legislative work but also holds significant power, as it has the authority to stop a bill's progress to the chamber floor for a vote. Importantly, committee assignments can shape a member's career and influence within Congress due to the central role these committees play in the legislative process.
Moreover, the committee system facilitates Congress's role as a check on the executive branch. Through budgets and approval of presidential appointments, Congress exercises oversight over federal bureaucracies, ensuring that each agency's activities align with legislative intent and the proper use of taxpayer funds. Thus, the committee system is integral to Congress's function of legislating and maintaining the balance of power within the federal government.