Final answer:
The correct answer to the student's question about the type of committee that would research possible locations for new city offices and present findings to the city manager and city council is 'a) ad hoc committee.', which is appointed for a specific, temporary purpose.
Step-by-step explanation:
A committee is a group of people officially delegated to perform a function, such as investigating, considering, reporting, or acting on a matter. In the context of the question, the city is considering building a new city office complex and needs a group to research possible locations and present findings to the city manager for review and presentation to the city council. The correct answer to the student's question is 'a) ad hoc committee', as this type of committee is a temporary committee set up to address a specific topic and is disbanded after completing its task.
There are several types of committees in the legislative context, including standing committees, joint committees, conference committees, and ad hoc committees. Standing committees are permanent and handle ongoing areas of legislation. Joint committees consist of members from both the House and Senate to explore key issues but have no bill-referral authority. Conference committees reconcile different versions of a bill passed in separate chambers and are formed on an ad hoc basis. Ad hoc, special, or select committees are created for a specific, temporary purpose, often to conduct special investigations.