New
New
How can I take part in the democratic process? The role of select committees
I can explain what a select committee is and how to get involved.
Lesson 6 of 6
New
New
- Year 11
How can I take part in the democratic process? The role of select committees
I can explain what a select committee is and how to get involved.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Select committees scrutinise government policies to ensure accountability.
- Select committees gather evidence, question ministers and produce reports.
- Citizens can participate by submitting evidence or attending public consultations.
Keywords
Select committees - a group of members of a legislative body chosen to investigate and report on specific issues or topics
Government - the group of people with the authority to govern a country; in the UK, the Government is chosen and led by the Prime Minister (PM)
Common misconception
Only Members of Parliament (MPs) can be part of select committees.
The public can contribute to select committees by submitting evidence or attending public consultations.
Allow pupils to research current inquiries to deepen their understanding of how select committees operate and the issues they address.
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
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the three branches of separation in the UK called?
What are the three branches of separation in the UK called?
the legislative, executive and monarchy
the executive, judiciary and monarchy
the monarchy, judiciary and legisaltive
Q2.Match the branch to its definition.
Match the branch to its definition.
Q3.The legislative branch has a bicameral system. What does this mean?
The legislative branch has a bicameral system. What does this mean?
The legislative branch is made up of one chamber.
The legislative branch is made up of three chambers.
The legislative branch is made up of four chambers.
Q4.What is this describing? The transfer of political powers from a central government or Parliament to a national, regional or local government or Parliament.
What is this describing? The transfer of political powers from a central government or Parliament to a national, regional or local government or Parliament.
Q5.Which of these statements is a reason why there is a separation of powers in the UK?
Which of these statements is a reason why there is a separation of powers in the UK?
to ensure one branch of government has full control over decision-making
to allow the Government to work without any checks and balances
to allow one branch to override the other branches decisions
Q6.Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK are representatives who serve in the House of Commons.
Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK are representatives who serve in the House of Commons.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the terms to the correct definition.
Match the terms to the correct definition.
Q2.Select committees help to hold the to account by scrutinising its policies and actions.
Select committees help to hold the to account by scrutinising its policies and actions.
Q3.What is the purpose of select committees in the UK?
What is the purpose of select committees in the UK?
to run general elections
to create new laws
to choose the new Prime Minister
Q4.Can only MPs be part of select committees?
Can only MPs be part of select committees?
Yes, only MPs can be members of select committees.
Only ministers and MPs can join select committees.
No, but only peers can take part with MPs.
Q5.Some of the ways citizens can participate in select committees include submitting or attending public consultations.
Some of the ways citizens can participate in select committees include submitting or attending public consultations.
Q6.Does the Government have to implement the recommendations from select committee reports?
Does the Government have to implement the recommendations from select committee reports?
Yes, the Government must implement them over time.
No, the Government can ignore them without explanation.
Yes, the Government has to implement all of them immediately.
