Committee vs. Congress

Attribute	Committee	Congress
Definition	A group of people appointed for a specific function by a larger group	The legislative branch of the United States government
Size	Varies depending on the purpose and scope of the committee	435 members in the House of Representatives, 100 members in the Senate
Function	To focus on specific issues or topics and make recommendations	To make laws, represent constituents, and oversee the executive branch
Leadership	Chairperson or co-chairs appointed by the larger group	Speaker of the House, Senate Majority Leader, and committee chairs
Term Length	Varies depending on the committee	2 years for House members, 6 years for Senators

Composition

A committee is a group of individuals appointed or elected to perform specific functions or tasks. Committees can be formed within organizations, institutions, or governments to handle specific issues or projects. They are usually smaller in size compared to a congress, with members selected based on their expertise or interest in the subject matter. Committees can be temporary or permanent, depending on the nature of the tasks they are assigned.

Congress, on the other hand, refers to a formal assembly of representatives who are elected by the people to make laws and decisions on behalf of the population. Congress is typically a larger body compared to a committee, with members representing different constituencies or districts. In the United States, Congress is made up of two chambers - the House of Representatives and the Senate.

Authority

Committees are usually delegated specific powers or responsibilities by a higher authority, such as a board of directors or a legislative body. They have the authority to make decisions and recommendations within their designated scope of work. Committees can conduct hearings, gather information, and draft reports to present to the larger governing body for consideration.

Congress, on the other hand, is the supreme legislative body in a democratic system of government. It has the authority to pass laws, approve budgets, declare war, and oversee the executive branch. Congress can also conduct investigations, hold hearings, and impeach officials. The decisions made by Congress have a significant impact on the country and its citizens.

Function

Committees are created to streamline the decision-making process and facilitate in-depth discussions on specific issues. They allow for a more focused examination of complex topics and enable members to develop expertise in their respective areas. Committees can also serve as a check on the power of the larger governing body by providing oversight and accountability.

Congress, on the other hand, is responsible for representing the interests of the people, making laws, and ensuring the proper functioning of the government. It plays a crucial role in the system of checks and balances by providing oversight of the executive branch and the judiciary. Congress also has the power to investigate issues of national importance and hold public officials accountable.

Decision-Making Process

Committees typically make decisions through a process of discussion, debate, and voting among their members. They may conduct research, consult experts, and gather input from stakeholders before reaching a consensus on a course of action. Committees can also recommend policies or legislation to the larger governing body for approval.

Congress, on the other hand, follows a more formalized decision-making process that involves introducing bills, debating them on the floor, amending them, and voting on their passage. Both chambers of Congress must approve a bill before it can become law. Congress also has the power to override a presidential veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.

Relationship to Executive Branch

Committees may interact with the executive branch of government in various ways, such as overseeing the implementation of laws, conducting investigations into executive actions, or confirming presidential appointments. Committees can also request information from the executive branch and hold hearings to examine its policies and practices.

Congress, on the other hand, has a unique relationship with the executive branch as a co-equal branch of government. Congress has the power to check the actions of the president through oversight, investigations, and the impeachment process. Congress also plays a role in approving presidential appointments, treaties, and budgets, which are essential functions of the executive branch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, committees and Congress serve important functions within a governing system, but they differ in terms of composition, authority, function, decision-making process, and relationship to the executive branch. Committees are smaller, specialized groups tasked with specific responsibilities, while Congress is a larger legislative body with broad powers and responsibilities. Both play crucial roles in the democratic process and the functioning of government.