1. Warm – Up
On your own paper create three columns and work with a partner to review the 3 branches of government

2. Objective: Describe the steps of how a bill becomes a law.

3. Schoolhouse Rock
I'm Just a Bill

4. From Bill to Law
Bills suggested by citizens, President , or Special-Interest groups.
Once suggested, can only be submitted by member of Congress.
Bill then sent to standing committee that handles subject of bill.
Committee then…
Pass bill to Congress
Make changes & pass bill to Congress.
Replace bill with new one.
“Pigeonhole” (ignore) bill. (Letting it “die in committee”)
Vote to “kill bill”.

5. From Bill to Law Passes Committee and sent to Senate or HoR for debate
In the HoR, the Rules Committee puts limits on debates.
Senate does not have restrictions.
Discuss amendments or riders (Senate only) to be added to the bill.
Senators can filibuster against a bill.
Can only be ended by cloture. (3/5 of Senate voting to end filibuster)

6. Filibuster
Facts of Congress

7. Voting and Vetoes After debate, the bill is called to a vote.
3 different types of voting:
Voice vote: calling out vote “Aye” or “No”
Standing vote: In favor stand to be counted.
Roll-Call: respond when names are called
(Only used by Senate)

8. Voting and Vetoes Sent to the other house after it passes one.
Must pass both houses by simple majority.
If different versions of the bill are passed in both houses, the bill goes to a Joint Conference Committee to create a revised bill. (Both HoR & Senate must then accept newly revised bill.)
THEN, it goes to the President.

9. Voting and Vetoes
President can sign the bill, veto, or refuse to sign.
If bill is not signed within 10 days WHILE Congress is in session, it becomes law.
If Congress’ session is adjourned during those 10 days, the bill dies. (Referred to as a pocket veto).
If president vetoes a bill, Congress can overturn it with a two-thirds vote from each house.

10. Work Period You will create a comic strip of how a bill becomes a law
8 frame minimum