Whatcha doin? Oh making laws. (How a bill becomes a law)

Standards and Indicators Explain how the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, and the Northwest Ordinance have provided for the protection of rights and the long- term future of a growing democracy. Explain how the U.S. Constitution protects the rights of citizens, regulates the use of territory, manages conflict and establishes order and security. Explain how specific provisions of the U.S. Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, limit the powers of government in order to protect the rights of individuals with emphasis on: a. Freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition; b. Right to trial by jury and the right to counsel; c. Due process and equal protection of the laws. Describe the process by which a bill becomes a law.

In the Beginning, There was an Idea A Bill begins simply as an idea in someone’s mind

Propose a Bill…(no ring involved) Anyone can think up a bill… However, only a Member of Congress can propose a bill

Introducing a Bill There are many bills that come through Congress Each bill must wait until it is introduced to either the House or Senate

The Committee’s Turn After a bill is assigned a number, it goes to a special committee The committee will make changes if needed to the bill (Sometimes bills will be assigned to even smaller committees)

Hear ye Hear ye…Vote for my Bill!!! When a bill is heard by the House or Senate it is carefully looked over. If changes need to be made then those changes are made.

Here Comes the Vote!!! After debating the bill the House will vote for approval or rejection If approved the bill will move to the Senate If rejected it is either forgotten or reworked

The Senate The Senate will also discuss and change each bill and then they will vote. If it is passed then it goes to the Whitehouse

A Presidential Decision The President either signs the Bill into Law The President can also Veto the Bill

Presidential Override If the President uses a veto on a bill, Congress has the power to override that decision 2/3 vote is needed by Congress to turn a vetoed bill into a law