2nd Period: How does a bill become a law?

How does a bill become a law?

Schoolhouse Rock

On the next slide you must fulfill the sacred duty of all American public school students. You must watch Schoolhouse Rock's "I'm just a bill."

This video has been passed down for decades and will give you a solid foundation for understanding the law making process.

Poll

Was Schoolhouse Rock helpful for understanding the lawmaking process?

• Yes, it is simple and catchy

• No, it's old and boring

• I am proud to have fulfilled my civic duty

• I am still processing the information

#1

It starts with an idea

• Someone has a problem, or maybe a solution to a problem.

• They call or write their congressman

• Congressman writes a bill

• Bill is proposed

• Bills can be proposed in the House of Representatives or the Senate

Multiple Choice

Who is the US State Representative that represents you in Spokane?

• Jay Inslee

• Patty Murray

• Cathy McMorris Rodgers

• Patrick O'Houlihan Wright

#2

Bill goes to Committee

• Special group of congressman

• Committee researches the bill

• The bill is released to the floor

Multiple Choice

Members of congressional committees are...

• Private specialists appointed by the president

• Congressman with specialized knowledge in specific subjects

• Bureaucrats selected by the Speaker of the House

• Everyday people that help deliberate on bills, similar to jury duty.

#3

Bill goes to the floor

• The bill is debated

• The bill is amended

• The bill is voted on

• Simple majority is all that is needed, 51%

#4

Bill goes to the other house

• If a bill started in the Senate, it goes to the House of Representatives, and visa versa

• Steps 2 & 3 happen again in the new house

• The bill is voted on

Multiple Choice

What percentage of "yes" votes are required for a bill to be passed in both houses of congress?

• 51%

• 67%

• 75%

• 100%

#5

Bill goes to the President

• President has 2 choices

• President signs the bill into law

• President vetoes the bill and the process starts over

Open Ended

What is 1 benefit and 1 drawback of this long and difficult process to get a bill signed into law?