Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, once said of Congress, “Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition, whilst Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work.”
Please answer the following questions about the quote:
What does Woodrow Wilson mean by "Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition"?
What does Woodrow Wilson mean when he says "Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work"?
What does this quote tell you about Woodrow Wilson's opinion of Congressional Committees?
When Congress is in session, the press reports every thing said and decided. The work of committees is reported only after decisions are reached. It appears that Wilson believed the true work of Congress was done in committees.
1. What does Woodrow Wilson mean by "Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition"?
By stating that "Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition," Woodrow Wilson is suggesting that when Congress is in session, it is primarily focused on presenting a public image. This implies that the proceedings and discussions during sessions are often influenced by the desire to impress the public or showcase a particular image, which may not reflect the actual work and decision-making processes of Congress.
2. What does Woodrow Wilson mean when he says "Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work"?
When Woodrow Wilson asserts that "Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work," he is highlighting the significance of the committee stage in the legislative process. Committee rooms are where members of Congress gather to thoroughly examine bills, propose and debate amendments, and conduct detailed discussions on specific policy issues. Wilson suggests that the real work of Congress, involving research, analysis, and negotiation, takes place within these committee rooms.
3. What does this quote tell you about Woodrow Wilson's opinion of Congressional Committees?
This quote indicates that Woodrow Wilson had a positive view of Congressional Committees and recognized their importance in the legislative process. He considered committee rooms as the setting where the essential work of Congress occurred. By contrasting the idea of the public spectacle during sessions with the genuine work behind closed doors, Wilson implies that Congressional Committees are where the substantive evaluation and refinement of legislation takes place. This suggests that Wilson believed committee work was crucial for the effectiveness and productivity of Congress as a legislative body.
1. Woodrow Wilson's quote "Congress in session is Congress on public exhibition" suggests that, when Congress is in session, it is primarily focused on public display and performance. In other words, their discussions and actions are often influenced by the need to project a certain image or cater to public opinion. This implies that their behavior and decision-making may be driven by political considerations rather than solely by the needs and interests of the nation.
2. On the other hand, when Wilson states "Congress in its committee rooms is Congress at work," he means that the real work and deliberation of Congress take place behind closed doors in committee rooms. Committees are smaller groups within Congress that specialize in specific areas of legislation and policy. Wilson suggests that the true substance of legislative efforts, discussions, and compromises occur within these committee rooms. In this space, representatives may engage in more detailed analysis, negotiation, and drafting of legislation, free from the pressures of public scrutiny and political posturing.
3. From this quote, it can be inferred that Woodrow Wilson held a positive view of Congressional Committees. He regarded them as the productive and functional aspect of Congress, where meaningful work is done. While Wilson seems to imply that the public sessions of Congress may be more about appearances and political theater, he values the committee rooms as spaces where serious policy discussions and decision-making occur. This suggests that Wilson saw committees as instrumental in the legislative process and potential drivers of effective governance.