The noninstitutional actors are composed of the media, political parties, interest groups, and political consultants. Institutional Actors Congress Cahn states that the legislative authority of Congress makes it a central institution in the policy process. Among the most important powers granted to Congress by the Constitution, include the power to tax, borrow money, regulate interstate and international commerce, produce currency and determine its value, declare war, and make laws. Cahn points out that the primary concern of the members of Congress is reelection and that those that get reelected gain seniority which is linked to congressional power. There are all types of committees and subcommittees within Congress which make the majority of legislative decisions.
Some committees have more influence over policy than others.
For example, the House Rules Committee determines the order and types of bills that will be heard. The Appropriation Committees in the House and in the Senate review any legislation that requires funding. Committee chairs have the power to determine committee agendas and, as a result, exert disproportionate policy influence. Another source of influence that is often overlooked lies in congressional staffers. The members of Congress use the staffers to run their district offices and to keep in touch with their constituents in order to stay in their favor.