What type of committee is created temporarily for a specific purpose?

The correct answer is that a select committee is created temporarily for a specific purpose. Select committees, also known as special committees, are formed by either the House of Representatives or the Senate to address a particular issue or investigate a specific matter that is not within the typical jurisdiction of standing committees. These committees typically disband once their specific task is completed, making them distinct from standing committees, which are permanent and handle ongoing responsibilities in particular areas of policy.

Select committees can be tasked with a wide range of functions, such as conducting investigations, reviewing certain legislative proposals, or addressing pressing national concerns. Their temporary nature allows Congress to be more flexible in dealing with issues that arise unexpectedly or require focused examination beyond the scope of regular legislative practices.

In contrast, standing committees are established on a more permanent basis and focus on broad areas of legislation, while joint committees consist of members from both the House and the Senate to facilitate cooperation on issues. Advisory committees typically provide guidance but do not have legislative authority. Thus, select committees are specifically designed to be formed for short-term tasks, which underscores their function in the legislative process.