Central Committee

The 16th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China meets in 2002

The Central Committee is a leading body of an organization, most often a political party, especially Communist parties. However other organizations have Central Committees such as the Mennonite church (see Mennonite Central Committee) and Alcoholics Anonymous. There is also a Central Committee for Conscientious Objectors. In the United States the Democratic Party and the Republican Party have Central Committees which act as the leading body of the party in some counties and states.

In Communist parties the Central Committee is made up of delegates elected at a Party Congress. The Central Committee makes decisions for the party between congresses and usually is responsible for electing the Politburo.