#85: CIVICS 101: The Legislative Branch
Q&A #85: How are members of the standing committees elected?
Our American Government
Our American Government is a small book published by the House of Representatives for citizens and those who seek a greater understanding of the American interpretation of democracy. It follows a question-and-answer format and covers a broad range of topics dealing with the three branches of our Government, the electoral process, and the role of political parties.
The Savvy Citizen is reproducing the 169 questions-and-answers through a series of posts called Civics 101. Each post will contain the Q&A as well as some additional commentary to add historical context, fun facts, or anything we believe will add to our collective understanding of these topics.
Think of it as your adult Civics class but without the test!
Let’s keep at it.
SECTION: The Legislative Branch: The Congress
The Committee System
Q&A #85: What constitutes a quorum of a standing committee of the House and of the Senate?
Each House and Senate committee is authorized to establish its own quorum requirement for the transaction of business.
House rules specify that House committees shall have at least two members present to take testimony or receive evidence and at least one third of the members present for taking any other action, except reporting out a bill to the floor.
Senate rules also require at least one-third of the committee membership present to conduct most business, but permit committees to lower that quorum requirement for purposes of taking testimony.
However, in both Chambers, a physical majority of the committee members must be present to report a bill to the floor.
My Thoughts
If you ever catch a committee hearing on the news and the room looks pretty empty, this is why. In the House, for example, only 2 representatives are required to take testimony from a witness who may be providing evidence to support an investigation of some sort or to provide feedback on potential legislation.
Back next time with Q&A #86: What is a select committee?
Meanwhile, don’t forget that we’re organizing the post links on a single page available here.
xo,
Kelley for the Savvy Citizen Team
April 22, 2025