Why are select committees important in a democracy?
I can explain what a select committee is, why contributing to them is important for democracy, and how to give evidence to one.
Why are select committees important in a democracy?
I can explain what a select committee is, why contributing to them is important for democracy, and how to give evidence to one.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Select committees allow citizens to help shape policies and strengthen democracy.
- Select committees use evidence from the public, experts and organisations to make recommendations to the Government.
- Evidence can be given through written submissions, oral testimony or hearings, or sharing documents.
- The process of collecting evidence for select committees ensures fairness, accountability and diverse representation.
- Engaging with and contributing to select committees supports democracy and reflects community needs.
Keywords
Select committee - a group of members of the legislative body (MPs or other lawmakers) chosen to look into specific issues or topics & report back on their findings; they make sure important issues are looked at closely
Democracy - a system of government in which citizens vote in regular, fair elections for representatives who then make laws and decisions on their behalf
Common misconception
Only politicians and people in important jobs can contribute to a select committee.
Anyone can submit evidence to a select committee, including pupils.
To help you plan your year 8 citizenship lesson on: Why are select committees important in a democracy?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 8 citizenship lesson on: Why are select committees important in a democracy?, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 citizenship lessons from the How can citizens bring about change? unit, dive into the full secondary citizenship curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
someone who wants the world to be different and makes it happen
a system of government in which citizens vote in fair elections
an act or process through which something becomes different
The Ocean Cleanup
Troll Patrol
Birthday Trees project
Exit quiz
6 Questions
members of the legislative body chosen to investigate specific issues
a system of government in which citizens vote in fair elections
the Head of State, our King or Queen