Answer to Question 1
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. Explain what a committee system is.
2. Identify the responsibilities of committees as the primary gatekeeper in the legislative process.
3. Compare and contrast standing committees (both substantive and procedural), select committees, and conference committees.
Answer to Question 2
Answer: An ideal response will:
1. List and define each of the five functions performed by the legislature that are discussed in the text.
2. Identify one function as most critical and provide a rational argument as to why it is the most critical.