The influence of the Congressional Armed Services Committees on military organization, 1947-53.

Abstract

The Constitution of the United States places the responsibility of providing an Army and Navy on Congress. To fulfill this responsibility Congress assigns a number of missions to the Armed Services Committees.

In carrying out their assigned tasks the Armed Services Committees of the Senate and House are forced to rely on members who have been chosen, largely on the basis of seniority, by the two major political parties. In spite of the oft noted weaknesses of this system the legislators assigned to the two Armed Services Committees have been a capable group and they have been supported by a capable staff. [TRUNCATED]