What is the Difference Between Council and Committee?

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The main difference between a council and a committee lies in their size, composition, and purpose:

  • Council: A council is a group of people who come together to consult, deliberate, or make decisions. It is usually a larger body and may include members who are elected. Councils often develop bylaws and operating rules, which are approved by the board of directors.
  • Committee: A committee is a smaller group of people, usually assembled to discuss specific matters at hand. Committees are comprised of an appointed chair and members who may or may not represent every region. The formation of a committee is based on a common interest or goal, rather than a job-a-like.

Some key differences between councils and committees include:

  1. Size: Councils are typically larger bodies than committees.
  2. Election: Council members are usually elected, while committee members may not be.
  3. Purpose: Councils are responsible for making decisions, laws, or rules, while committees focus on specific matters or goals.
  4. Formation: Committees can be formed within a council, but a council cannot be formed from a committee.

In summary, a council is a larger decision-making body, often with elected members, while a committee is a smaller group focused on specific issues or goals.

Comparative Table: Council vs Committee

Here is a table comparing the differences between a council and a committee:

Feature Council Committee
Definition A council is a group of individuals who come together to make decisions, consult, or deliberate on a common objective. A committee is a smaller group of individuals, usually assembled to discuss specific matters at hand.
Formation Councils are typically formed to represent larger bodies and have more authority. Committees are usually created to investigate, research, or make recommendations on a particular issue.
Membership Members of a council are referred to as councillors, councilmen, or councilwomen. Committee members are selected based on their expertise in a specific area when relevant.
Responsibilities Councils are responsible for making decisions on behalf of an entire community or organization. Committees are responsible for specific tasks or issues, and their recommendations may be reported back to a council or other governing body.
Structure Councils usually have a larger and more diverse membership, often representing different stakeholders or segments of the population. Committees are smaller in size and may have a more focused membership, often consisting of experts in a specific field.

In summary, a council is a larger decision-making body representing an entire community or organization, while a committee is a smaller, more focused group formed to address specific issues or tasks.