Select Committee

Definition

A select committee is a temporary legislative committee established to investigate specific issues, conduct hearings, or gather information on particular topics. These committees are often formed to address pressing matters that require specialized knowledge or attention, allowing state legislatures to manage complex issues more effectively within their overall structure and organization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Select committees can be either temporary or permanent, but they are most commonly formed for specific investigations or inquiries.
2. Members of select committees are typically chosen based on their expertise or interest in the subject matter being investigated.
3. Select committees may hold public hearings, take testimonies, and review documents to gather evidence and information relevant to their investigation.
4. The findings and recommendations of select committees can influence legislation and inform the decisions of the entire legislature.
5. Select committees often play a key role in addressing urgent issues that may not fit neatly within the purview of standing committees.

Review Questions

• How do select committees differ from standing committees in terms of purpose and duration?
  • Select committees are typically created to address specific issues or investigations and are usually temporary, existing only for the duration of the inquiry. In contrast, standing committees are permanent entities that handle ongoing legislative matters within specific policy areas. While both types of committees play important roles in the legislative process, select committees focus on short-term goals, while standing committees have broader and more sustained responsibilities.
• What processes do select committees use to gather information and conduct investigations?
  • Select committees utilize various methods to gather information, including holding public hearings where witnesses can provide testimonies. They also review documents and conduct interviews with experts or stakeholders relevant to the issue at hand. The committee's work aims to compile comprehensive findings that can influence legislative action and policy decisions. This investigative process allows lawmakers to gain insights into complex issues that require detailed understanding.
• Evaluate the impact of select committees on state legislative processes and how they contribute to effective governance.
  • Select committees significantly impact state legislative processes by allowing legislators to delve deeply into pressing issues that might otherwise be overlooked. Their focused nature enables them to conduct thorough investigations, leading to informed recommendations that can shape legislation. This specialized approach contributes to effective governance by ensuring that state legislatures can respond adeptly to urgent challenges, thus enhancing public accountability and trust in government operations.

Related terms

Standing Committee: A permanent committee in a legislature that focuses on specific policy areas and continues its work across legislative sessions.

Joint Committee: A committee composed of members from both houses of a bicameral legislature, created to address issues that affect both chambers.

Subcommittee: A smaller division of a larger committee, tasked with focusing on specific aspects of a larger issue or piece of legislation.