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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.

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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.

Download all resources
Share activities with pupils

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Select committees scrutinise government policies.
  2. Citizens influence select committees by submitting evidence and engaging in consultations.
  3. Select committees use public input to better understand issues and make informed recommendations.
  4. 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 - investigations conducted by committees to examine specific issues or areas of government policy

Common misconception

Select committees are just for criticising the Government.

Select committees gather evidence and make recommendations to improve decision-making.


To help you plan your year 10 citizenship lesson on: Can citizens play a bigger role in select committees?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage pupils to explore the UK Parliament website to discover select committees that align with their interests.
Teacher tip

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Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

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6 Questions

Q1.
How does the Government typically shape policies?
Correct answer: by holding public consultations and debates in Parliament
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?
voting in a referendum
Correct answer: participating in a public consultation
setting up a citizens' initiative
Q3.
Match the method of shaping policy to its correct definition.
Correct Answer:voting,choosing representatives who make decisions on laws and policies

choosing representatives who make decisions on laws and policies

Correct Answer:petitioning,collecting public signatures to formally request government action

collecting public signatures to formally request government action

Correct Answer:lobbying,trying to influence decision-makers by promoting a specific cause

trying to influence decision-makers by promoting a specific cause

Q4.
A assembly brings together a group of people to discuss an issue and make recommendations to the Government.
Correct Answer: citizens', citizens
Q5.
What must the Government do with recommendations made by a citizens' assembly?
Correct answer: consider them, but is not required to implement them
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?
They allow citizens to vote on government bills.
They always result in new laws.
Correct answer: They raise awareness and put pressure on decision-makers.
They replace the need for government debate.

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is the main purpose of a select committee?
to pass laws
Correct answer: to scrutinise government policies
to make laws
to represent political parties
Q2.
Match the term to the correct description.
Correct Answer:select committee,a group of MPs or Lords chosen to examine a specific issue

a group of MPs or Lords chosen to examine a specific issue

Correct Answer:inquiry,investigations by committees into specific government policies

investigations by committees into specific government policies

Correct Answer:oral testimony,a public gathering of people to hear evidence from experts

a public gathering of people to hear evidence from experts

Correct Answer:written submission,citizens' written contributions to committees

citizens' written contributions to committees

Q3.
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.
Correct answer: They submit evidence and take part in consultations.
Q4.
Which of the following is an example of how public engagement with select committees can be improved?
Correct answer: improving civic education in schools
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.
Correct Answer: evidence
Q6.
What is the purpose of the Youth Select Committee?
Correct answer: to investigate issues and make recommendations to the Government
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