United States Congressional Committee! Trivia Quiz
How much do you know about the United States congressional committee? Congressional committees help in organizing the work of Congress, and they are divided standing, select, joint, and conference committees. Did you know that the Standing Committee is the strongest and has power over the other three? Get to learn more about them and the powers of each using this quiz.
- 1.
Which of the following statements is NOT true about committees?
- A.
Most are divided into subcommittees.
- B.
Their chairmen are usually chosen by seniority within the majority party.
- C.
The majority party always holds a majority of the seats.
- D.
Each senator and representatives can serve on only one committee.
Correct Answer
D. Each senator and representatives can serve on only one committee.Explanation
The statement "Each senator and representative can serve on only one committee" is not true about committees. Senators and representatives can serve on multiple committees simultaneously, allowing them to address a wider range of issues and contribute to different areas of legislation. This enables them to have a broader impact and utilize their expertise in various policy areas.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Which of these is governed by a joint committee?
- A.
The federal budget
- B.
The Library of Congress
- C.
Foreign policy and international relations
- D.
Veterans' affairs
Correct Answer
B. The Library of CongressExplanation
The Library of Congress is governed by a joint committee because it is a federal institution that serves as the research library for the United States Congress. As such, it is overseen by the Joint Committee on the Library, which is composed of members from both the Senate and the House of Representatives. This joint committee is responsible for providing oversight and guidance on matters related to the Library of Congress, including its budget, policies, and operations.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What type of committee was the Senate Watergate Committee?
- A.
A standing committee
- B.
A select committee
- C.
A joint committee
- D.
A conference committee
Correct Answer
B. A select committeeExplanation
The Senate Watergate Committee was a select committee. Select committees are temporary committees that are created for a specific purpose, such as investigating a particular issue or event. In the case of the Senate Watergate Committee, it was formed to investigate the Watergate scandal, which involved the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters and subsequent cover-up by the Nixon administration. Select committees are typically dissolved once their purpose is fulfilled, unlike standing committees which are permanent and deal with ongoing legislative matters.Rate this question:
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- 4.
In order for a bill to reach the floor of the House after it has been referred by a committee, it must also clear the
- A.
Ways and Means Committee.
- B.
House Administration Committee.
- C.
Appropriations Committee.
- D.
Rules Committee.
Correct Answer
D. Rules Committee.Explanation
In order for a bill to reach the floor of the House after being referred by a committee, it must also clear the Rules Committee. The Rules Committee is responsible for determining the rules and procedures for debating and amending bills on the House floor. It sets the conditions under which a bill can be considered and determines the time allotted for debate. Therefore, any bill that has been referred by a committee must go through the Rules Committee before it can be brought to the House floor for further consideration and voting.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which of the following is NOT a reason to form a select committee?
- A.
To maintain an ongoing review of bills that fall into one major subject area
- B.
To decide on the need for new laws
- C.
To determine whether federal agencies are following the laws that have been passed
- D.
To focus public attention on a matter of importance
Correct Answer
A. To maintain an ongoing review of bills that fall into one major subject areaExplanation
A select committee is formed to address specific issues or investigate specific matters of importance. It is not formed to maintain an ongoing review of bills that fall into one major subject area. Instead, this task is usually assigned to standing committees, which are responsible for reviewing and considering bills related to specific subject areas on an ongoing basis. Select committees, on the other hand, are typically temporary and established for a specific purpose or investigation. They are formed to decide on the need for new laws, to determine whether federal agencies are following the laws that have been passed, and to focus public attention on a matter of importance.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Permanent panels to which all bills are sent are called __________ committees.
- A.
Select
- B.
Conference
- C.
Standing
- D.
Sitting
Correct Answer
C. StandingExplanation
Permanent panels to which all bills are sent are called standing committees. Standing committees are established in both the Senate and the House of Representatives and are responsible for reviewing and considering proposed legislation. They play a crucial role in the legislative process by conducting hearings, making recommendations, and overseeing the implementation of laws. Unlike select or conference committees, standing committees are permanent and are organized based on specific policy areas or subject matters.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following committees does not operate as a subject-matter body?
- A.
The House Ways and Means Committee
- B.
The House Rules Committee
- C.
The House Judiciary Committee
- D.
The Senate Appropriations Committee
Correct Answer
B. The House Rules CommitteeExplanation
The House Rules Committee does not operate as a subject-matter body because its primary function is to establish the rules and procedures for the House of Representatives. Unlike other committees that focus on specific policy areas or subject matters, the House Rules Committee determines how bills are considered and debated on the House floor. It sets the terms for amendments, debate time, and voting procedures, ensuring that the legislative process runs smoothly. Therefore, the House Rules Committee plays a crucial role in managing the legislative agenda rather than directly dealing with specific policy issues.Rate this question:
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- 8.
When is a conference committee created?
- A.
When the issue does not fit into any of the duties of the established committees
- B.
When an investigation is required
- C.
When committees in both houses pass identical bills
- D.
When the two houses pass differing versions of a bill and the first house will not agree to the changes
Correct Answer
D. When the two houses pass differing versions of a bill and the first house will not agree to the changesExplanation
A conference committee is created when the two houses of Congress pass different versions of a bill and the first house refuses to accept the changes made by the second house. The purpose of the conference committee is to reconcile the differences between the two versions of the bill and come up with a compromise that both houses can agree upon. This committee is necessary to ensure that a final version of the bill can be passed and sent to the President for approval.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Who determines which bills go to which committees in the House?
- A.
The Speaker
- B.
The Rules Committee
- C.
The Ways and Means Committee
- D.
The majority leader
Correct Answer
A. The SpeakerExplanation
The Speaker of the House determines which bills go to which committees. As the presiding officer, the Speaker has significant influence over the legislative process and has the power to assign bills to specific committees. This allows the Speaker to control the flow of legislation and prioritize certain issues or policy areas. The Speaker's role in committee assignment is an important part of their overall leadership and decision-making responsibilities in the House of Representatives.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Select committees are
- A.
Temporary panels set up for a specific purpose.
- B.
The most powerful and prestigious committees.
- C.
Those composed of members of both houses.
- D.
Temporary, joint body committees.
Correct Answer
A. Temporary panels set up for a specific purpose.Explanation
Select committees are temporary panels set up for a specific purpose. These committees are formed to investigate and address specific issues or topics of concern. They are usually composed of members from both houses of the legislature and are given the authority to conduct hearings, gather evidence, and make recommendations. Select committees play a crucial role in the legislative process by providing in-depth analysis and expertise on specific issues, and their temporary nature allows for flexibility in addressing emerging or urgent matters.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 19, 2023Quiz Edited by
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Mar 24, 2013Quiz Created by
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