Committees are small groups of Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) who look at specific subjects such as health, education and justice. Committees can have as few as 3 or as many as 15 members. Committee members come from different political parties. The number of committee members from each party depends on how many seats that party has in Parliament.

Committees:

• hold the Scottish Government to account
• hold inquiries
• examine bills (proposed laws) and decide on amendments (changes)
• introduce their own bills
• consider petitions suggested by the public

Committees have a remit which says what areas they are responsible for. Committees can look at anything in their remit.