Study Guide — Committees & Legislative Procedure
Definitions, Significance, Concept Connections, Examples
Select Committee
Definition: A temporary committee created for a specific purpose, often investigative or focused on a
narrow issue.
Why It Matters: It allows Congress to concentrate expertise and political attention on issues that do
not fit neatly into standing committees.
Concept Connections: Connects to oversight, agenda-setting, and Congress’ investigatory powers.
Example: The House Select Committee on Benghazi was formed specifically to investigate the 2012
attacks.
Conference Committee
Definition: A joint temporary committee formed to reconcile differences between House and Senate
versions of a bill.
Why It Matters: It is essential for producing final legislation both chambers can pass.
Concept Connections: Connects to bicameralism, legislative bargaining, and negotiation.
Example: Example: A conference committee reconciles budget bills when the House and Senate
versions differ.
Joint Committee
Definition: A committee composed of members from both the House and Senate, typically used for
administrative or investigatory functions.
Why It Matters: It facilitates coordination between chambers on shared matters.
Concept Connections: Connects to congressional oversight and information-sharing.
Example: Example: The Joint Committee on Taxation provides nonpartisan fiscal analysis to
Congress.
Rationale for Having Committees
Definition: Committees divide labor, allow specialization, and make lawmaking more efficient.
Why It Matters: They help manage Congress’s overwhelming workload and create policy expertise.
Concept Connections: Connects to division of labor, informational theory, and institutional design.
Example: Example: Members on the Agriculture Committee develop expertise that shapes farm and
food policy.
Definitions, Significance, Concept Connections, Examples
Select Committee
Definition: A temporary committee created for a specific purpose, often investigative or focused on a
narrow issue.
Why It Matters: It allows Congress to concentrate expertise and political attention on issues that do
not fit neatly into standing committees.
Concept Connections: Connects to oversight, agenda-setting, and Congress’ investigatory powers.
Example: The House Select Committee on Benghazi was formed specifically to investigate the 2012
attacks.
Conference Committee
Definition: A joint temporary committee formed to reconcile differences between House and Senate
versions of a bill.
Why It Matters: It is essential for producing final legislation both chambers can pass.
Concept Connections: Connects to bicameralism, legislative bargaining, and negotiation.
Example: Example: A conference committee reconciles budget bills when the House and Senate
versions differ.
Joint Committee
Definition: A committee composed of members from both the House and Senate, typically used for
administrative or investigatory functions.
Why It Matters: It facilitates coordination between chambers on shared matters.
Concept Connections: Connects to congressional oversight and information-sharing.
Example: Example: The Joint Committee on Taxation provides nonpartisan fiscal analysis to
Congress.
Rationale for Having Committees
Definition: Committees divide labor, allow specialization, and make lawmaking more efficient.
Why It Matters: They help manage Congress’s overwhelming workload and create policy expertise.
Concept Connections: Connects to division of labor, informational theory, and institutional design.
Example: Example: Members on the Agriculture Committee develop expertise that shapes farm and
food policy.
