What might a group of members of Congress do if they have a common desire to influence public policies involving an issue of mutual interest?

• A. Form a caucus
• B. Abandon seniority
• C. Create a committee
• D. Hire a staff agency

Answer: (A)

When members of Congress share a mutual interest, they often form a caucus to influence public policy. A caucus is a group of like-minded legislators who coordinate positions, share information, and push for legislative action on a specific issue. By banding together, they can organize briefings, develop policy proposals, and build support across committees and party lines, increasing their collective influence on the policy agenda.

The other options don’t fit as neatly. Abandoning seniority isn’t about coordinating around a policy issue; it’s a procedural shift related to power dynamics. Creating a committee is a standard way to handle policy work within Congress, but it doesn’t necessarily reflect a group formed specifically to influence a mutual-interest policy. Hiring a staff agency would rely on external expertise rather than forming a group to jointly steer policy.