1. How a (tax) bill becomes a law

3. House or Senate

5. House

6. BILL IS INTRODUCED

7. SENT TO COMMITTEE

8. REFERED TO SUBCOMMITTEE

9. REPORTED BY FULL COMMITTEE (WITH RECOMMENDATIONS)

10. GIVEN TO RULES COMMITTEE

11. DEBATE ON HOUSE FLOOR (and a vote – 50+%)

12. SENATE

13. BILL IS INTRODUCED

14. SENT TO COMMITTEE

15. REFERED TO SUBCOMMITTEE

16. REPORTED BY FULL COMMITTEE (WITH RECOMMENDATIONS)

17. DEBATE ON SENATE FLOOR (and a vote – 50+%)

18. SENT TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE (adjusted & vote)

19. BACK TO HOUSE & BACK TO SENATE FOR VOTE

20. SENT TO PRESIDENT

21. Presidential Actions Sign it into law Ignore it into law (if Congress is in session) Veto the bill “Pocket veto” (ignore it – Congress not in session)

22. Veto actions by Congress Override the veto (2/3 vote in House & Senate) Impeach the President

23. How a bill becomes a law (Additional Notes)

24. Introducing a bill Ideas for bills may come from anyone Bills are introduced into Congress (US) or the Legislature (States) by legislators only. Most bills “die” in committee All revenue bills must start in the HOUSE – WHY?

25. Why do revenue/spending bills start in the House? Connects to the idea of “Limited Government” The House has more members = more debate The House is “closest to the people”

26. Why is the process so long? Connects to the “Limited government” idea A good idea will make it through An idea that is not good or not ready will die *Side note: This is why people are so critical of “Executive Actions”

27. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F FroMQlKiag

28. The “reality” of lawmaking The process is often streamlined (shortcuts)

29. The “reality” of lawmaking The process is often streamlined (shortcuts) – All people involved communicate along the way

30. The “reality” of lawmaking Political parties play a huge role

31. The “reality” of lawmaking Political parties play a huge role – “Majority Leader” decides what gets introduced – They know the opp. Party will reject – Introduce after the election

32. The “reality” of lawmaking Interest groups (esp. rich, powerful) have enormous power

33. The “reality” of lawmaking Interest groups (esp. rich, powerful) have enormous power – They have the resources to influence the government *Side note: this is why critics do NOT like more government involvement!

34. The “reality” of lawmaking Names have meaning

35. The “reality” of lawmaking Names have meaning – “Affordable Care Act” – “Clean Air Act” – “No child left behind”

36. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b YsyRg4U8qM Saturday Night Live Version!!

37. Types of Committees INTERIM committees meet between legislative sessions. CONFERENCE committees resolve differing versions of bills SPECIAL/SELECT committees created for specific purposes

38. Types of Laws

39. Laws that deal with crimes & punishments are called

40. Laws that deal with crimes & punishments are called Criminal Law

41. Laws that involve disputes between 2 or more parties (people, organizations, etc.) are called

42. Laws that involve disputes between 2 or more parties (people, organizations, etc.) are called Civil Law

43. Major / Serious crimes are called

44. Major / Serious crimes are called Felonies

45. Medium/Moderate crimes are called

46. Medium/Moderate crimes are called Misdemeanors (degrees - disorderly conduct, prostitution)

47. Minor crimes are referred to as

48. Minor crimes are referred to as Summary Offences (Non-traffic – loitering, petty theft)

49. A piece of legislation enacted by a local municipal authority.

50. A piece of legislation enacted by a local municipal authority. Ordinance

51. Who deals with the broken laws or disputes depends on

52. Who deals with the broken laws or disputes depends on Jurisdiction

53. Federal crimes include:

54. Federal crimes include: mail fraud identity theft drug trafficing illegal immigration illegal downloading

55. State crimes include:

56. State crimes include: violent crime property crime * weapon offenses kidnapping stalking