Select committee

Definition

A select committee is a temporary legislative committee formed to focus on specific issues, gather information, and make recommendations. These committees play a critical role in both federal and state legislative processes by investigating particular problems, conducting hearings, and reporting findings back to the larger legislative body. Select committees are important for enabling detailed examination of complex topics that require expert input and analysis.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Select committees are often created to address urgent issues or to investigate matters that require immediate attention, such as budgetary concerns or crises.
2. The findings and recommendations made by select committees can influence legislation and prompt further action by the entire legislative body.
3. These committees usually have a limited lifespan and are disbanded once their specific purpose has been fulfilled.
4. Members of select committees are typically chosen based on their expertise or interest in the particular subject matter being addressed.
5. Select committees often hold public hearings where experts, stakeholders, and citizens can provide testimony and share their insights.

Review Questions

• How do select committees differ from standing committees in terms of their purpose and duration?
  • Select committees are temporary and formed for a specific purpose, usually to investigate particular issues or challenges. In contrast, standing committees are permanent entities that continuously oversee broader areas of legislation. This difference in duration allows select committees to focus intensively on current events or urgent topics, whereas standing committees deal with ongoing legislative matters.
• Discuss the role of select committees in the federal legislative process and how their findings can influence policymaking.
  • Select committees play a vital role in the federal legislative process by conducting thorough investigations into specific issues, gathering information, and making recommendations based on their findings. Their reports can highlight pressing problems and inform policymakers about potential solutions or necessary legislative changes. This ability to focus on specialized topics helps ensure that Congress addresses the needs of constituents effectively.
• Evaluate the impact of select committees on state legislative processes and how they facilitate citizen engagement in governance.
  • Select committees significantly impact state legislative processes by providing a platform for in-depth examination of critical issues that affect local communities. Their public hearings allow citizens to participate in governance by voicing concerns and providing valuable insights on proposed legislation. This engagement not only informs lawmakers but also fosters transparency and accountability within state governments, ultimately leading to more responsive policymaking.

Related terms

standing committee: A permanent committee established by a legislative body to consider and make recommendations on specific areas of legislation.

subcommittee: A smaller division within a larger committee that focuses on specific areas of the committee's jurisdiction.

joint committee: A committee composed of members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate, typically formed to address specific issues or conduct investigations.