You are a freshman member of the House of Representatives and want to represent your district to the best of your ability. You know that being on the right committee is crucial. What committee(s) would you most like to be on, and why?

Question

When and how might you become chair? What advantages will being on a committee offer you and your constituents? With what obstacles will you have to contend? Be sure to consider how your particular district affects your choices.

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answer:
An ideal response will:
1. Relate that committees are the most important influencers of the congressional agenda, and that committee chairs are the most important influencers of the committee agenda.
2. Make a committee choice with direct relevance to the economy or dynamics of the student legislator's home state. A student may also aspire to the House Rules or Ways and Means Committees, both of which possess inherent power.
3. Note that committee chairs in the House are no longer selected based solely on the seniority system, but by demonstrating party loyalty via interview to the majority party leadership. This forces the legislator to tow the party line on key decisions. However, straying too far from the will of one's constituency could prove disastrous for reelection.
4. Answer should include information on the benefits of chairmanship, such as control over legislation, deference from other legislators, and preferential treatment by lobbyists.