New
New
Can citizens play a bigger role in select committees?
I can explain what select committees are and the role citizens play in them in the UK.
Lesson 3 of 7
New
New
- Year 10
Can citizens play a bigger role in select committees?
I can explain what select committees are and the role citizens play in them in the UK.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Select committees scrutinise government policies.
- Citizens influence select committees by submitting evidence and engaging in consultations.
- Select committees use public input to better understand issues and make informed recommendations.
- Public engagement can be improved through civic education and accessible communication.
Keywords
Select committee - a group of members of a legislative body chosen to investigate and report on specific issues or topics
Inquiry - an investigation conducted by a committee to examine a specific issue or area of government policy
Common misconception
Select committees are just for criticising the Government.
Select committees gather evidence and make recommendations to improve decision-making.
Encourage pupils to explore the UK Parliament website to discover select committees that align with their interests.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.How does the Government typically shape policies?
How does the Government typically shape policies?
by following public petitions directly
by passing laws with no involvement from MPs
by asking citizens to vote on each policy
Q2.Which of the following is an example of how citizens can indirectly shape policies?
Which of the following is an example of how citizens can indirectly shape policies?
voting in a referendum
setting up a citizens' initiative
Q3.Match the method of shaping policy to its correct definition.
Match the method of shaping policy to its correct definition.
Q4.A assembly brings together a group of people to discuss an issue and make recommendations to the Government.
A assembly brings together a group of people to discuss an issue and make recommendations to the Government.
Q5.What must the Government do with recommendations made by a citizens' assembly?
What must the Government do with recommendations made by a citizens' assembly?
immediately turn them into law
pass them to the courts for approval
send them to a public vote via a referendum
Q6.How can indirect methods like petitions or protests help shape policy?
How can indirect methods like petitions or protests help shape policy?
They allow citizens to vote on government bills.
They always result in new laws.
They replace the need for government debate.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main purpose of a select committee?
What is the main purpose of a select committee?
to pass laws
to make laws
to represent political parties
Q2.Match the term to the correct description.
Match the term to the correct description.
Q3.Which of the following best describes the role of citizens in select committees?
Which of the following best describes the role of citizens in select committees?
They decide on the final government policy.
They only observe committee discussions.
They pass laws for the Government.
Q4.Which of the following is an example of how public engagement with select committees can be improved?
Which of the following is an example of how public engagement with select committees can be improved?
increasing the complexity of committee reports
limiting public access to committee meetings
reducing the number of public consultations
Q5.Select committees are not just for criticising the Government; they gather to make recommendations aimed at improving policies.
Select committees are not just for criticising the Government; they gather to make recommendations aimed at improving policies.
Q6.What is the purpose of the Youth Select Committee?
What is the purpose of the Youth Select Committee?
to represent the views of political parties in Parliament
to create laws specifically for young people
to provide legal advice about young people to Parliament
