Legislative committees are smaller groups within a legislative body, such as a Congress or Parliament, that focus on specific areas of policy or legislation. These committees review proposed laws, conduct hearings, and gather information to make informed recommendations. They play a crucial role in organizing the legislative process and ensuring that bills are thoroughly examined before being presented to the full legislative body. Each committee is typically made up of members from the larger legislative group, often reflecting the overall political makeup. Committees can be permanent, known as standing committees, or temporary, called select or special committees, depending on their purpose and duration.