The 3 Main Types of Committees in the United States Government

 

There are 3 main types of committees in the United States government. These committees make many decisions for the government that impact all U.S. citizens. Understanding the 3 main types of committees in the United States is an important part of understand the United States government and legislature. This article will discuss the 3 main types of committees in the United States.

"Congress divides its legislative, oversight, and internal administrative tasks among more than 200 committees and subcommittees" in the United States government (Committee Types and Roles, 2009, p. 2, pp.3). Although there are many committees and subcommittees, there are three main types of committees in use by this government. Informal groups such as party committees and tasks forces are not included in the main committees discussed in this article. The three main types of committees are known as "standing, select or special, and joint" (CTR, 2009, p. 1, pp. 3). These types of committees handle many aspects of government.

Standing Committees

These committees are permanent and "have legislative jurisdiction;" standing committees consider bills and issues and recommend measures for consideration by their respective chambers" (CTR, 2009 p. 2, pp1.). Standing committees must also oversee and monitor certain programs, activities, and agencies within the area of their jurisdiction. It is common for the areas of jurisdiction to overlap committees because of the wide range of effects of programs, agencies, and activities on different areas of government and the United States. Standing committees also have a hand in recommending funding levels "for government operations and for new and existing programs" (CTR, 2009, p.2, pp. 2). Standing committees also play a role in budget and financing of programs and agencies within the government.

Select or Special Committees

These types of committees have a special purpose. They are "established by a separate resolution of the chamber," and select or special committees are use "sometimes to conduct investigations and studies, and, on other occasions, also to consider measures" (CTR, 2009, p. 2, pp. 5). These committees deal with issues that are fairly new and not represented by already existing types of committees. They also deal with issues that cross the jurisdiction of more than one standing committee. A select or special committee can be temporary or permanent depending on the goal of this type of committee. "Certain restrictions on member tenure or may include certain specified representatives (e.g., party leaders or certain standing committee chairs) as ex officio members" may be portrayed by this type of committee (CTR, 2009, p. 3, pp.5).

Joint Committees

"Joint committeesare made up of Members of both the House and Senate," and they are permanent panels in the United States Government (CTR, 2009, p.43, pp. 6). Joint committees are types of committees that perform studies and monitor areas of government. "The chairmanship of the joint committees "usually alternates between the House and Senate" (CTR, 2009, p.43, pp. 6). A type of joint committee that deals with conflicts between the House and Senate is a conference committee.

Understanding the main types of committees in the U.S. government is important when understanding how the government is run.

Reference:

Committee Types and Roles. (2009). U.S. Senate. Retrieved August 9, 2010, from http://www.senate.gov/CRSReports/crs-publish.cfm?pid=%26*2