Final answer:
Committees are permanent entities in Congress that focus on specific policy areas, whereas task forces are temporary and address specific, usually urgent issues, reflecting the nature of a select committee versus a standing committee. The correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
The critical differences between formal committees and task forces in the context of the U.S. Congress relate to their purpose, duration, and scope of work. Committees are more permanent entities and play a crucial role in the legislative process.
They are established to focus on specific areas of policy and governance, considering, amending, and reporting on legislation. Task forces, on the other hand, are usually temporary entities set up to address particular, often urgent, issues with a targeted focus, and they may be disbanded after their specific mandate has been fulfilled.
According to the options provided:
A select committee is different from a standing committee because a select committee is convened for a specific and temporary purpose, while a standing committee is permanent. Thus, reflecting choice 'C' as the correct answer to your question on the differences between these entities.
Furthermore, in Congress, there are also joint committees, conference committees, and ad hoc committees, each with specific functions that enable the legislative body to effectively manage the wide array of issues it must address. The correct option is c.