1. The Law-Making Process
AIM: How do certain factors influence the law-making process?
Do Now: What is the job of the legislative branch?
HW:
PAC’s
DBQ due THURSDAY
Next Exam: Wednesday

2. Think- Pair- Share
Select a topic from the list below. Create a law based on that issue. List 3 strategies you would use to get your law passed.
Gun Control
Abortion Genetically Modified Food

3. How A Bill Becomes A Law
school house rock I'm just a bill - Bing Videos

5. Additional Vocabulary
Filibuster: attempt to block or delay Senate action on a bill (keep debating)
Pocket Veto: If the president does not sign bill within10-days of receiving it & Congress adjourns, the bill does not become law

6. Factors Affecting the Legislative Process
The Constitution
The President
Political Parties
Political Action Committees
Lobbyists
Media

7. Wisconsin Voter ID Law Ruled Unconstitutional
The Constitution
Congress must pass laws that are constitutional- in line with the Constitution.
Wisconsin Voter ID Law Ruled Unconstitutional
WASHINGTON -- A Wisconsin judge declared a state law requiring people to show photo ID in order to be allowed to vote unconstitutional on Monday, issuing a permanent injunction blocking the state from implementing the measure.
"Without question, where it exists, voter fraud corrupts elections and undermines our form of government," wrote Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess in his decision. "The legislature and governor may certainly take aggressive action to prevent its occurrence. But voter fraud is no more poisonous to our democracy than voter suppression. Indeed, they are two heads on the monster."

8. Constitution (copy)
Laws must be constitutional (in line with the Constitution)

9. The President
The President influences the law making process by suggesting legislation and encouraging laws he supports (copy)
Obama supports legislation to repeal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
“The president has long called for a legislative repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, which continues to have a real impact on the lives of real people –our families, friends and neighbors,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said at today’s press briefing.

10. Political Parties
Members of political parties generally vote along party lines. Sometimes, the break and vote the other way. (copy)
Middle-class Tax Relief | U.S. Congress Votes Database - The Washington PostThe Washington Post

11. Effects of Social Media in Law
The Media
Effects of Social Media in Law
In the past few years, the emergence of social media and the easy ability for users to communicate has drastically changed the news media landscape. Social online communities has allowed many users to united over various issues and form strong widespread interest groups. Whether through user generated news stories, opinion blogs, message boards, interest based websites, there is a large shift towards transparency and participation. In the minds of internet users, user reviews and opinions has become the source to get authentic, objective news.

12. Media (Copy)
Information is spread quickly through the Internet, TV, radio and newspapers
Information can be biased and influence voters

13. Public (copy)
Can suggest laws to representatives and persuade them to introduce them to Congress

14. Lobbyists
A 'lobbyist' is a person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest group. Professional lobbyists are people whose business is trying to influence legislation on behalf of a group or individual who hires them (copy)
Video

15. Political Action Committees
A political action committee (PAC) is any organization in the United States that campaigns for or against political candidates or legislation. PACs donate considerable amounts of money to ensure their interests are reflected in policy and legislation. (copy)
Major PACs & $ contributed to 2008 Presidential Election
International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers PAC $3,344,650
AT&T Federal PAC $3,108,200
American Bankers Association (BANK PAC) $2,918,140
PAC Video

16. Summary
Which outside factor do you believe has the greatest impact on the law-making process and why?