Committee
A committee or commission is a body of one or more persons subordinate to a deliberative assembly. A committee is not itself considered to be a form of assembly. Usually, the assembly sends matters into a committee as a way to explore them more fully than would be possible if the assembly itself were considering them. Committees may have different functions and their types of work differ depending on the type of the organization and its needs.
A member of a legislature may be delegated a committee assignment, which gives them the right to serve on a certain committee.[1]
A deliberative assembly may form a committee (or "commission") consisting of one or more persons to assist with the work of the assembly.[2] For larger organizations, much work is done in committees.[3] Committees can be a way to formally draw together people of relevant expertise from different parts of an organization who otherwise would not have a good way to share information and coordinate actions. They may have the advantage of widening viewpoints and sharing out responsibilities. They can also be appointed with experts to recommend actions in matters that require specialized knowledge or technical judgment.
Generally, committees are required to report to their parent body. Committees do not usually have the power to act independently unless the body that created it gives it such power.[3]
When a committee is formed, a chairman (or "chair" or "chairperson") is designated for the committee.[7] Sometimes a vice-chairman (or similar name) is also appointed.[8] It is common for the committee chairman to organize its meetings. Sometimes these meetings are held through videoconferencing or other means if committee members are not able to attend in person, as may be the case if they are in different parts of the country or the world.
The chairman is responsible for running meetings. Duties include keeping the discussion on the appropriate subject, recognizing members to speak, and confirming what the committee has decided (through voting or by unanimous consent). Using Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised (RONR), committees may follow informal procedures (such as not requiring motions if it's clear what is being discussed).[9] The level of formality depends on the size and type of committee, in which sometimes larger committees considering crucial issues may require more formal processes.
