Schoolhouse Rock's Snl: How A Bill Becomes Law

The 1976 Schoolhouse Rock! segment I'm Just a Bill is a well-known and beloved educational cartoon that teaches how a bill becomes a law in the United States. It features a song of the same title, sung by Jack Sheldon, with dialogue by Sheldon's son John. The segment has had a lasting impact on popular culture and has been referenced and parodied in various TV shows, films, and even a US Senate critique. In 2014, Saturday Night Live (SNL) recreated the video with a comedic twist, poking fun at the Obama administration's approach to immigration reform. This parody, titled How a Bill Does Not Become a Law, showcases the Bill, played by Kenan Thompson, getting beaten up by President Obama (Jay Pharoah) and highlights the use of executive orders during Obama's presidency.

The 1976 'I'm Just a Bill' Schoolhouse Rock! segment

"I'm Just a Bill" is a segment from the third season of the Schoolhouse Rock! series, which aired in 1976. The segment features a song of the same title, written by Dave Frishberg and performed by Jack Sheldon, who voices the Bill. The dialogue is provided by Sheldon's son, John, who voices the boy learning about the legislative process. The song educates viewers about how a bill becomes a law in the United States, specifically how it must go through Congress and can be vetoed.

In the song, the Bill proposes a law requiring school buses to stop at railroad crossings. While this specific law has never been approved by the United States Congress, an equivalent regulation has been codified by the United States Department of Transportation. The Bill's journey serves as a primer on the federal legislative process, highlighting the steps a bill must take to become a law.

The "I'm Just a Bill" segment has had a significant cultural impact, with references and parodies appearing in various television shows, films, and popular media. It has been featured on shows like "The Simpsons," "Family Guy," "Johnny Bravo," and "Saturday Night Live," often with a comedic twist on the original song. The segment has also been referenced in other forms of media, such as comic strips and video games, showcasing its lasting influence on popular culture.

The song's catchy tune and educational content have made it a memorable part of the Schoolhouse Rock! series, leaving a lasting impression on viewers and providing a fun way to learn about the legislative process in the United States.

The 2014 SNL sketch parodying Schoolhouse Rock

In 2014, Saturday Night Live (SNL) parodied the classic Schoolhouse Rock cartoon in its opening sketch, mocking President Obama's controversial use of executive orders. The sketch featured a bill (Kenan Thompson) and an executive order (Bobby Moynihan), who explained how the government really works with a little help from President Obama (Jay Pharaoh). The sketch highlighted the convenience of executive orders in bypassing a gridlocked Congress, showcasing the complexities and challenges of the political system.

The 2014 SNL sketch was not the first time the show had referenced Schoolhouse Rock. In 1998, SNL aired a cartoon as part of Robert Smigel's TV Funhouse series titled "Conspiracy Theory Rock!" This cartoon parodied the original Schoolhouse Rock style from the 1970s and critiqued the consolidation of TV networks under multinational companies and their influence on the news. While the 1998 sketch was dropped from reruns, the 2014 sketch received attention for its satirical take on current political events.

The sketch also reflected a broader trend of political satire in media, leveraging popular culture references to address serious issues. By using comedy and a well-known framework, SNL was able to reach a wider audience and encourage conversations about the role of the executive branch and the legislative process. The sketch's impact extended beyond entertainment, contributing to the national dialogue on the state of American politics and governance.

Overall, the 2014 SNL sketch parodying Schoolhouse Rock demonstrated the show's ability to blend humour with political commentary. By invoking a beloved educational series, SNL presented a critical perspective on the government's inner workings, engaging viewers and sparking discussions about the political landscape of the time.

The role of the House in passing a bill

The House of Representatives is the first step in passing a bill. This is where the bill is introduced, discussed, and voted on. A bill must first be drafted and then introduced in the House by a representative, who explains the purpose of the bill and what it aims to achieve. The bill is then given a number and referred to the appropriate committee for review.

The committee stage is a crucial part of the process, as it is where the bill is scrutinized and amended. The committee holds hearings, invites experts and stakeholders to testify, and debates the merits of the bill. This process can take several weeks or even months, depending on the complexity of the bill and the level of interest from members of the House. Once the committee has finished its work, it reports the bill back to the full House, along with any recommended amendments.

The House then debates the bill, considering the committee's amendments and any additional amendments proposed by members. This is a critical stage, as it is the first time the bill is discussed by the entire House. Members can offer amendments, debate the bill's merits, and ultimately vote on whether to pass the bill. A simple majority is usually required for a bill to pass the House, although some types of bills may require a higher threshold.

If the bill passes the House, it then moves on to the Senate, where it goes through a similar process of committee review, debate, and voting. If the Senate amends the bill, a conference committee with members from both chambers may be convened to resolve the differences between the two versions. Once both chambers have passed the bill, it is sent to the President for signature or veto.

The role of the Senate in passing a bill

In the 2014 Saturday Night Live sketch "How a Bill Does Not Become a Law", the role of the Senate in passing a bill is highlighted. The bill, played by Kenan Thompson, is an immigration bill that sings a slightly altered version of the song to a young boy (played by Kyle Mooney). The bill explains the process of becoming a law, including the need for a majority vote from the Senate. This is a crucial step, as the bill cannot progress without the Senate's approval.

The sketch also addresses the role of the President in passing a bill. In the sketch, President Barack Obama, played by Jay Pharoah, pushes the bill down the Capitol Hill steps, symbolizing the President's power to veto or reject a bill. This is an important aspect of the legislative process, as it demonstrates the checks and balances within the system.

While the sketch is a parody and not a completely accurate representation of the law-making process, it does capture the key stages a bill must go through. It also reflects the complex dynamics between the different branches of government, including the Senate, the House of Representatives, and the President, who all have a role in shaping legislation.

Executive orders and their impact on bills

Executive orders are directives issued by the President of the United States that govern the operations of the federal government. They are not legislation and do not require approval from Congress. However, they carry the force of law and are often referred to as "instant law". Every American president since George Washington has issued at least one executive order, and they have been used to make significant decisions and enact policies with the same effect as federal laws.

Executive orders can impact bills in several ways. Firstly, they can be used to bypass the traditional lawmaking process, as depicted in the SNL sketch "How a Bill Does Not Become a Law", where President Barack Obama pushes down a bill and explains that it is easier to use an executive order. This highlights the President's ability to enact their agenda without going through the lengthy process of passing a bill through Congress.

Secondly, executive orders can be used to influence the outcome of a bill. For example, a President may issue an executive order on a similar topic as a bill being considered by Congress, thereby influencing the debate and potentially swaying the outcome in their favour. Additionally, while Congress can pass legislation to override an executive order, the President can veto such legislation, making it difficult to counteract the impact of an executive order on a bill.

Furthermore, executive orders can shape the implementation and interpretation of bills that have already become laws. The orders can provide additional directives and guidelines for federal agencies and officials to follow when carrying out the provisions of a law, thereby influencing how it is enforced and applied in practice.

It is important to note that while executive orders have significant power, they are not without limitations. They cannot directly contradict existing laws or the Constitution, and they can be challenged in court. Additionally, their impact can be limited by Congress through various means, such as removing funding for their implementation or passing new legislation that conflicts with the order.

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