Oversight
![Bild: © Focke Strangmann](/fileadmin/_processed_/4/9/csm_FS20190910HAN0423_858aa64462.jpg)
The power of investigation
The State Parliament’s power to investigate is another instrument of parliamentary scrutiny. The State Parliament is authorised to set up a parliamentary select committee to look into matters in the public interest. If at least one-fifth of MPs in the State Parliament requests that a select committee be set up, it must be done. The select committee is hence a particularly potent weapon of the opposition, as it can usually call for a committee without the help of the majority parties. A parliamentary select committee conducts a process which is very similar to that of a court: invited witnesses are obliged to tell the truth. Select committees have a very extensive right to information from the state government, its representatives and even third parties. Select committees report their findings to the State Parliament.
![Image: © Focke Strangmann A select committee allows for very extensive scrutiny of government.](/fileadmin/user_upload/redaktion/hauptseite/bilder/platzhalter/3354.jpg)