Gavin Howe
A graphic organiser is a great way to help students understand how a bill becomes a law. It can be used as a review or an introduction to the topic. Students can put the steps of a bill becoming a law into order with the help of graphic organisers. This makes it easier to comprehend the process and reinforce their learning. Teachers can use pre-made digital activities or create their own storyboard to explain the process. The steps can include how an idea for a law is created, how it is brought to a representative, introduced to a committee, voted upon in the House of Representatives, and sent to the President, who can agree, veto, or not sign the bill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Idea for law is created | Law to prevent teen traffic accidents |
| Idea is brought to a representative | N/A |
| Bill is introduced to a committee | House Committee on Transportation |
| Bill is voted upon in the House of Origin | N/A |
| Bill is sent to the other House | House Committee in the House of Representatives |
| Bill is voted upon in the other House | N/A |
| Bill is sent to the President | N/A |
| President contemplates options | Agree, use pocket veto, don't sign while Congress is in session, or veto |
| Outcome | If the President agrees, the bill becomes a law. If not, the bill is sent back to Congress and must receive a 2/3 majority vote to become a law. |
What You'll Learn
Idea for law is created
The first step in the process of a bill becoming a law is the creation of the idea for the law. This can come from anyone, including children and the president. For example, the idea for a law could be to prevent teen traffic accidents. Once the idea is established, it is brought to a member of Congress, either in the House of Representatives or the Senate, and a bill is written. If a senator writes the bill, it will initially be sent to a committee in the Senate, and vice versa.
The process of a bill becoming a law begins with the creation of an idea for a new law. This idea can be conceived by anyone, from children to the president, and it is then brought to a member of Congress. For instance, let's consider a hypothetical law to prevent teen traffic accidents. This idea would be presented to either the House of Representatives or the Senate, where a bill would be drafted. The chamber that the bill is introduced to first depends on which member of Congress the idea was brought to. If a senator writes the bill, it will initially be sent to a committee in the Senate for consideration. On the other hand, if the bill originates in the House of Representatives, it will first be reviewed by a committee in that chamber.
The process of turning an idea into a law is a complex and lengthy one. It requires the involvement of various individuals and entities, from citizens with ideas to members of Congress and the president. In the example of preventing teen traffic accidents, the idea would need to be presented to either a senator or a member of the House of Representatives. Once the idea is in the hands of Congress, a bill can be drafted, marking the beginning of its legislative journey. The specific chamber that the bill is introduced to first is important, as it determines which committee will initially review the bill. If a senator is the sponsor of the bill, it will go to a Senate committee, and if a representative is the sponsor, it will go to a House committee.
The creation of an idea for a law is a crucial step in the legislative process. It empowers citizens to identify issues that require governmental action and propose solutions in the form of laws. By bringing their ideas to members of Congress, individuals can initiate the process of drafting a bill, which is the first step in turning their idea into a law. This step ensures that the legislative process is accessible to all and encourages civic engagement. Whether it's an idea to prevent teen traffic accidents or any other issue, this first step is essential for giving a voice to the concerns of the people.
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Idea is brought to a representative
The idea for a bill can come from anyone, from a child to the president. Once the idea is formed, it is brought to a member of Congress, either a senator or a member of the House of Representatives, and a bill is written.
When an idea is brought to a representative, it is important to consider the role and responsibilities of this representative. They are responsible for taking the idea and translating it into a formal bill. This involves understanding the specific details and requirements of the idea and ensuring that it is feasible and aligns with the legislative process. Representatives play a crucial role in the law-making process as they are the link between the people and the legislative branch. They are expected to listen to their constituents' concerns and ideas and use their position to advocate for them.
Representatives also have the task of drafting the bill, which involves writing the proposed legislation in a clear and concise manner. This requires a good understanding of legislative language and the ability to translate the idea into legal terms. The bill should include the purpose of the proposed law, the specific actions or changes it will enact, and any relevant details or restrictions. Representatives may also need to conduct research, consult with experts, and gather input from their constituents to ensure the bill is well-informed and responsive to the needs of those it will affect.
Additionally, representatives should consider the potential impact of the bill and anticipate any consequences or challenges that may arise from its implementation. They may need to build support for the bill among their colleagues and other stakeholders to increase its chances of success. This involves lobbying, negotiating, and collaborating with other members of Congress to address concerns and make amendments to the bill if necessary.
Representatives also have a duty to communicate with their constituents throughout the process. This includes explaining the bill's content, addressing any questions or concerns, and providing updates on its progress. They should also be prepared to defend the bill and articulate its benefits to those who may oppose or be skeptical of it.
Once the representative has finalized the bill, they will introduce it to the appropriate committee, depending on whether they are a member of the House of Representatives or the Senate. This marks the next step in the legislative process, where the bill will be reviewed, debated, and potentially amended by the committee members before being voted on and, if successful, progressing to the next stage.
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Bill is introduced to a committee
When a bill is introduced to a committee, it is brought before a group of experts for review and discussion. This committee can make amendments to the bill and debate its merits before deciding whether to pass it on to the next stage of the legislative process. The specific committee that the bill is introduced to will depend on the subject matter of the bill. For example, a bill related to transportation might be introduced to the House Committee on Transportation.
The committee plays a crucial role in shaping the bill and ensuring that it is well-considered and feasible. They may invite experts to provide testimony and answer questions, as well as consider input from stakeholders and the public. This process can help to identify potential issues with the bill and make sure that it aligns with the needs and values of the community it will affect.
During the committee stage, the bill may undergo significant revisions. Committee members can propose amendments, which are changes to the wording or substance of the bill. These amendments may be adopted through a majority vote, allowing the committee to refine the bill and address any concerns or shortcomings. The committee may also choose to combine multiple bills on similar topics, holding hearings and debates to create a single, comprehensive piece of legislation.
The length of time a bill spends in committee can vary. Some bills may be quickly approved and sent to the next stage, while others may undergo lengthy discussions and revisions. In some cases, a bill may even be "pigeonholed," meaning it is effectively killed in committee without a formal vote. This can occur if the committee chair or a powerful committee member opposes the bill.
Overall, the committee stage is a critical step in the legislative process, providing an opportunity for expert review, public input, and amendments to ensure that the bill is well-crafted and reflects the needs and values of those it will impact.
Bill is voted upon in the House of Origin
The process of a bill becoming a law is a complex one, and the step where the bill is voted upon in the House of Origin is a critical stage. Here is a detailed explanation of this stage:
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The bill's journey begins in the House of Origin, which can be either the Senate or the House of Representatives. At this stage, the idea for the bill is brought to a member of Congress, and a bill is written. It is important to note that anyone can propose an idea for a bill, from a child to the President. Once the bill is written, it is ready to be introduced in the House of Origin.
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The bill is then formally introduced in the House of Origin. If the bill was written by a senator, it will be sent to a committee in the Senate. On the other hand, if the bill was authored by a member of the House of Representatives, it will be directed to a committee in the House. This step ensures that the bill is reviewed and debated by a smaller group of legislators before proceeding further.
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The committee in the House of Origin carefully examines the bill. This involves discussions, debates, and potentially amendments to the bill. Committee members may propose changes or additions to the bill, which are then considered and voted on. This process allows for a more thorough review of the bill's content and gives legislators the opportunity to shape the bill according to their expertise and the needs of their constituents.
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After the committee has completed its work, the bill is put to a vote within the House of Origin. All members of that chamber of Congress participate in this vote. The vote can result in the bill being approved, rejected, or amended further. Achieving a majority vote is crucial for the bill to advance to the next stage of the legislative process. If the bill fails to gain sufficient support, it may be revised and reintroduced at a later date.
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If the bill receives a majority vote in the House of Origin, it signifies a significant milestone in its journey. This indicates that the bill has garnered enough support to proceed further in the legislative process. However, it is important to note that the bill still has several hurdles to overcome before it can become a law. The next steps will involve engaging the other chamber of Congress and potentially the President.
Bill is sent to the other House
Once a bill has been introduced and voted upon in its House of origin, it is sent to the other House. This is the next step in the process of a bill becoming a law.
If the bill originated in the Senate, it will be introduced to a committee in the House of Representatives, where members of the committee will debate and amend the bill. On the other hand, if the bill originated in the House of Representatives, it will be introduced to a committee in the Senate, where it will also be debated and amended.
After the bill has been introduced and amended in the other House, it will be voted upon. If the committee accepts the bill, it will then be voted upon in the House of Representatives or the Senate, depending on where it was originally introduced. If the bill is passed in this vote, it will be introduced to the opposite chamber to where it was originally introduced.
For example, if the bill originated in the House of Representatives and passed the committee and House votes, it will then be introduced in the Senate. Here, it will be debated and voted upon. If the bill passes this vote, it will have successfully passed through both Houses and can be sent to the President.
Frequently asked questions
A graphic organizer is a tool that uses images to tell a story. It is often used to help students visually reinforce their learning.
The first step is for someone, anyone from a child to the president, to come up with an idea for a law.
The idea for the bill is then brought to a member of Congress, and a bill is written.
If a senator writes the bill, it will be sent to a committee in the Senate. If a member of the House of Representatives writes it, it will go to a committee in the House.
Once the bill has passed in the Senate, it is sent to the President. The President will then read the bill and decide whether to sign it into law or veto it. If the President does not sign the bill and Congress is in session, Congress can vote to override the veto and pass the bill into law.
