1. If you could make one law, what would it be?
Call to ORder
If you could make one law, what would it be?

2. Today’s Objectives
Students will be able to explain the process of legislation (creating laws) by:
Examining how citizens influence the lawmaking process
Watching a short video
Diagraming the steps of creating a law

3. The first thing we’re going to talk about is something that we did in the first weeks of class.
Initiative
Voters can gather together to petition the gov’t about an issue

4. I even have a petition that I’ve been working on.
I’m going to give you a short presentation on a dangerous chemical, and I’ll be circulating my petition. If you agree with me, please sign your name below.

5. Each year, Dihydrogen Monoxide is involved in many thousands of deaths and is a major contributor to millions upon millions of dollars in damage to property and the environment. Some of the known dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide (DMHO) are:
Death due to accidental inhalation of DHMO, even in small quantities.
Exposure to solid DHMO causes severe tissue damage over time.
DHMO is a major component of acid rain.
Gaseous DHMO can cause severe burns.
Contributes to soil erosion.
Leads to corrosion and rusts many metals.
Contamination in electrical systems often causes short-circuits.
Oh noes!

6. Each year, Dihydrogen Monoxide is involved in many thousands of deaths and is a major contributor to millions upon millions of dollars in damage to property and the environment. Some of the known dangers of Dihydrogen Monoxide (DMHO) are:
Exposure decreases effectiveness of automobile brakes.
Found in biopsies of pre-cancerous tumors and lesions.
Given to vicious dogs involved in recent deadly attacks.
Often associated with killer cyclones in the U.S. Midwest and elsewhere, and in hurricanes including deadly storms in Florida, New Orleans and other areas of the southeastern U.S.

7. So, who’s willing to sign my petition to ban Dihydrogen monoxide?

8. Now, let’s take a look at a problem with this strategy:
That’s right… it can be pretty easy to mislead people.

9. Referendum Did a Majority of Voters approve?
Another way to influence the process is to vote directly on laws
Referendum
A special election where voters are allowed to vote on a law.
This initiative would legalize private marijuana use for people 21 and over. It would also allow local gov’ts to regulate and tax the drug's production and distribution.
We had a similar vote on a new law in Maryland
Did a Majority of Voters approve?

10. Now, let’s look at how Congressmen do it
Now, let’s look at how Congressmen do it. Follow along on your lyrics sheet while we watch the video together.

11. REARRANGE ‘EM
Place the steps in the correct order on your piece of paper
Use the lyrics from “I’m Just a Bill” to help you
Have me come check
Glue stick it in order on y our poster
Label (number) the steps in order
Decorate your poster with a little pizzazz!