How Congress got its committees—and why they matter This historical study traces the origins and development of standing and select committees that shape national and local lawmaking. It explains how British parliamentary practice, colonial roots, and early American experiments with inquiry and budgeting formed a complex system that governs how Congress analyzes, amends, and passes legislation. Readers will see how committees reflect politics, procedure, and public accountability, from early debates over executive power to the rise of rules governing debate, references, and reporting. The book balances theory with documentary detail, offering a clear map of how congressional committees evolved to handle the voluminous work of government. Origins and antecedents of the committee idea Development of House and Senate rules and their impact on lawmaking Relationships between committees, the presidency, and the public Differences between standing and select committees and their implications Ideal for readers interested in the history of American governance, legislative procedure, and how committee work shapes public policy.