Select committee

Definition

A select committee is a specialized group within a legislative body formed to investigate, study, and report on specific issues or legislation. These committees play a crucial role in the legislative process by focusing on particular topics, allowing for detailed examination and discussion that may not be possible in larger assemblies. Select committees can also conduct hearings, gather evidence, and make recommendations to the full chamber based on their findings.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Select committees are typically temporary and are created for a specific purpose or to address particular issues that arise during the legislative session.
2. They often hold public hearings where witnesses can provide testimony and answer questions, which helps inform the committee's understanding of the issue at hand.
3. The recommendations made by select committees can influence the legislative agenda and lead to the introduction of new bills or amendments.
4. Members of select committees are usually chosen based on their expertise or interest in the subject matter, providing valuable insights into the discussions.
5. Select committees can serve as a mechanism for oversight of government operations, allowing legislators to investigate matters such as corruption, inefficiency, or other issues of public concern.

Review Questions

• How do select committees differ from standing committees in terms of purpose and function within a legislative body?
  • Select committees differ from standing committees primarily in their temporary nature and specific focus. While standing committees have ongoing responsibilities and jurisdiction over particular subject areas throughout multiple sessions, select committees are formed to investigate specific issues or events and are dissolved once their work is complete. This allows select committees to provide targeted analysis and recommendations that might not be feasible within the broader scope of standing committees.
• Discuss the role of public hearings conducted by select committees and how they contribute to the legislative process.
  • Public hearings conducted by select committees play a vital role in the legislative process by gathering firsthand information from witnesses who can offer expert insights, personal experiences, or relevant data related to the issue being investigated. These hearings create an opportunity for transparency, allowing constituents to observe the legislative process in action. The testimonies and evidence collected during these hearings help shape the committee's recommendations and inform legislators' decisions when considering proposed legislation.
• Evaluate the impact of select committees on government accountability and transparency in modern legislative practices.
  • Select committees significantly enhance government accountability and transparency by providing a structured avenue for investigating matters of public concern. By examining issues such as corruption or inefficiency within government agencies, these committees help ensure that public officials are held responsible for their actions. The recommendations generated through select committee investigations often lead to reforms or changes in legislation aimed at improving government operations. This process not only fosters trust among constituents but also reinforces the essential function of oversight within democratic governance.

Related terms

standing committee: A permanent committee established in a legislative body that focuses on specific subject areas and has ongoing jurisdiction over issues related to those subjects.

subcommittee: A smaller division of a larger committee that focuses on a specific aspect of the committee's broader mandate, allowing for more detailed work on particular issues.

committee hearing: A formal meeting held by a committee to gather information, hear testimonies, and discuss relevant matters pertaining to its investigations or legislative duties.