How a BILL becomes a LAW

Do Now

Recall from yesterday's class: What were some of the steps a bill took to become a law?

When you are finished, turn in your web quest & homework from last class

I'm Just a Bill Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyeJ55o3El0&feature=related

How does a Bill become a law?

• Bills- proposed laws, or drafts of laws presented to the House or Senate for enactment.

• Two types:– Public- measure applying to the nation as a whole-

(tax bills)– Private-only apply to certain persons or places rather

than to the nation generally.

Law Making

• Only a member of the House or Senate may introduce a bill but anyone can write a bill.

• Over 9,000 bills are proposed and fewer than 5 to 10% are enacted.

• A bill must survive three stages to become a law: committees, the floor, and the conference committee. 

• A bill can die at any stage.

Once it is written...

• A bill may begin in either houseo BUT...bills of revenue must begin in the House

of Representatives.

How a Bill Becomes a Law Simulation

• Through the next part of class we will walk through how a bill becomes a law

Step 1: An Idea for a BillStep 1: An Idea for a Bill

Sources:Sources:

Simulation

• Each of you will write two bills on a separate piece of paper about what you think should be made into a classroom rule. They must be REASONABLE and MUST have good grammar and spelling!

Simulation

• After the bills have been written divide into two groups. (Two thirds of the class will be House of Representatives the other third will be the Senate.)

Step 2: Writing & Introduction of BillStep 2: Writing & Introduction of BillSenate:• Bill formerly read

aloud on floor• Bill then given to

clerk• Referred to

committee by Steering Committee

House:• Bill dropped in hopper• Referred to committee by

the Speaker

Sen. Smith introduces bill on the Senate floorSen. Smith introduces bill on the Senate floor

~ ~ Mr. Smith Goes to WashingtonMr. Smith Goes to Washington

Step 3: Committee ActionStep 3: Committee Action

• House & Senate committees conduct public hearings

• Experts testify

• Markup of bills

• Committee vote: report favorably, unfavorably, or table bill

House Armed Services CommitteeHouse Armed Services Committee

Simulation

1) Once you are in the two groups, divide further into 2 committees.

2) In your committees look over the potential bills and see which ones you like best and could be passed.

3) When the committees have chosen bills they would like passed everyone come back to your designated area. (Senate & House of Reps.)

Step 4: Floor Action - SenateStep 4: Floor Action - Senate• Party leaders schedule

bills for floor debate on the calendar

• Unlimited debate• Filibuster - member(s)

keep talking to block debate on a bill

• Cloture vote by 3/5 of Senators (60) can end filibuster

• Floor vote: Roll Call, Standing, Voice Senator Strum Thurman still holds the record for the longest Senator Strum Thurman still holds the record for the longest

filibuster - 24 hrs 18 min. on the 1957 Civil Rights Actfilibuster - 24 hrs 18 min. on the 1957 Civil Rights Act

Simulation

• The senate will now vote as a group about one of the bills.

Step 5: Approved Bill Step 5: Approved Bill Crosses Over to Other HouseCrosses Over to Other House

• Approved bill must pass each chamber by a simple majority

Simulation

• If the vote is yes the bill will move to the other branch of congress and they will vote on the bill

Step 6: Conference CommitteeStep 6: Conference Committee

• Members from each chamber meet to reconcile differences in the bill

Senate-House Conference Committee works out details of the 2003 Senate-House Conference Committee works out details of the 2003 Healthy Forest Restoration ActHealthy Forest Restoration Act

Simulation

• As the House and Senate, meet together to see how the Bill can be improved.

Step 7: Both Chambers Vote on Final Step 7: Both Chambers Vote on Final Version of the BillVersion of the Bill

Simulation

• As a group of Congress all of you will vote on the bill.

Step 8: President Considers BillStep 8: President Considers Bill

President can:

1) Sign the bill into law

2) Veto bill

3) Pocket veto

Note: Congress can override veto with 2/3 vote in each house; only 4% of vetoes have been overridden

*Pocket Veto-Prez can ignore the 10 day bill signing period if Congress *Pocket Veto-Prez can ignore the 10 day bill signing period if Congress adjourns prior to the 10 days. The bill is then deadadjourns prior to the 10 days. The bill is then dead ..

Simulation

• The teacher will now look at the bill and decide whether it would be good for the classroom.

Simulation

• Congress can now use their checks and balances power to override the veto.

• As a full group, vote to override the veto.

Critical Thinking Questions:Critical Thinking Questions:

Fact: About 5,000 bills are introduced in Congress Fact: About 5,000 bills are introduced in Congress every year, but only about 150 are signed into law.every year, but only about 150 are signed into law.

Consider:Consider:

1. Why do so few bills become law?

2. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

3. Should the legislative process in Congress be reformed? If yes, what changes would you recommend? If not, why not?

How a Bill Becomes a Law Storyboard• You will now get to pretend to be a

professional movie or novel storyboard artist!

• For the rest of class you will fill out a storyboard by detailing each step of how a bill becomes a law and then drawing a picture of what happens in the process.

• You will receive one point for each step. (Title, Explanation, & Picture)

• Try your best on the drawings and make sure to include color on all of your pictures.

• Is due tomorrow if not done in class

Exit Ticket

-What is a bill?

-How does a bill become a law?

-What is a pocket veto?

-How can Congress override a veto?