Gavin Howe
Changing a law is no easy feat, but it can be done. The process of altering legislation varies depending on the region and the type of law. In the US, for example, federal laws are changed through Congress, while state laws are amended through state legislatures. The process of changing a law typically involves proposing a bill, which is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing one. This bill is then assigned to a committee, which researches, discusses, and makes changes to it. The bill then goes through a voting process, and if it passes, it is sent to the president or another relevant authority for approval. If approved, the bill becomes a law. However, changing a law is not solely the work of lawmakers. Citizens can play a significant role by proposing bills, gathering support through petitions, and advocating for their desired changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who proposes the law change? | A sitting member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives, or proposed during their election campaign. Bills can also be petitioned by people or citizen groups who recommend a new or amended law to a member of Congress that represents them. |
| Who considers the bill? | Congress. |
| Who approves the bill? | The President. |
| How is the bill approved? | The President signs it into law. |
| What if the President doesn't approve? | The President can refuse to approve a bill, this is called a veto. |
| What if Congress doesn't agree with the veto? | Congress can vote to override the veto, and the bill becomes a law. |
| What if Congress is no longer in session? | If the President does not sign off on a bill, and Congress is no longer in session, the bill will be vetoed by default, this is called a pocket veto and cannot be overridden by Congress. |
| What is the process for local laws? | Local laws can be changed through a city or town council. |
| What is the process for state laws? | State laws are changed through state legislature. |
| What is the process for federal laws? | Federal laws are changed through Congress. |
| How to get support for a law change? | Write a clear and concise headline, with a relevant image. Focus on the change you want to make and explain who is impacted and why now is the time to make the change. Collect signatures and put your petition on social media, local bulletin boards, and radio stations. |
| How to engage lawmakers? | Once you have some support, engage the lawmakers you researched. If you have trouble getting a meeting, organize your supporters in a letter-writing campaign, or take to social media to get politicians' attention. |
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What You'll Learn
Start a petition or support an existing one
One way to get a law changed is to start a petition or support an existing one. In the US, the right to petition is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. A bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law, and it can be petitioned by people or citizen groups who recommend a new or amended law to a member of Congress that represents them.
To start a petition, you should first choose a catchy and concise headline that clearly states what the law should be. If it is a local or state issue, include the relevant location in the headline to catch locals' attention. In the body of the petition, explain who is impacted by the law, what the law is now, and how you want to see it changed. Emphasize why now is the time to make this change and, if there's a personal reason for wanting this change, tell your story—making people feel emotion and understand the real impact of the law will help to get them to support your petition.
Choose an image that speaks to your cause. Look for colour contrast, close-ups of people and pets that portray emotion, and avoid using text in the image. Use images that you are allowed to distribute—either one created by you or a stock image with a creative commons license that allows for reuse. Images that are at least 1600 x 900 pixels look best on any screen.
Collect as many signatures as possible. The more people who sign your petition, the more likely it is that the government will listen and make the change you want to see. Share your petition on social media, local bulletin boards, your local radio station, and anywhere else that makes sense to find others who care about this issue. Get media attention to help build signatures and momentum for your cause by crafting a press release and offering interviews with journalists.
Once you've got some support behind your idea, engage the lawmakers you researched. If you're having trouble getting a meeting, organize your supporters in a letter-writing campaign, call their representatives, or take to social media to get politicians' attention on the law you want to be changed. You can work with lawmakers to write a new bill that includes the changes you want to make, and there are many bill-writing guides and templates available online to help you.
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Work with lawmakers and politicians
Working with lawmakers and politicians is a crucial aspect of the legislative process and can be an effective way to drive policy change. Here are some steps to guide you through this process:
Identify the Relevant Lawmakers
Research and identify the elected representatives who are most likely to introduce new laws or advocate for changes on your behalf. These include members of Congress, such as Senators and Representatives, who are responsible for proposing and passing legislation. Identify those who align with your interests and values and reach out to them.
Build Relationships:
Start building relationships with the identified lawmakers and their staff. Cultivate champions who are committed to your cause. Share your story and the reasons behind your pursuit of legislative change. Use data, facts, and personal narratives to highlight the implications of the policy change you seek. This can help galvanize their interest and secure their support.
Engage and Collaborate:
Once you have built some support, actively engage with the lawmakers and their staff. Collaborate with them to draft a new bill or amend existing legislation to include the changes you desire. Utilize bill writing guides and templates available online to assist you in this process. Remember that your elected representatives work for you, and they are obligated to listen to their constituents' concerns.
Navigate the Legislative Process:
Understand the legislative process and the steps required to turn your bill into a law. Once a bill is introduced, it is assigned to a committee that will research, discuss, and make changes to it. Stay involved during this process, offering amendments and providing additional insights as needed. The committee will then vote on whether to report the bill to the full chamber. If reported, the bill undergoes further research, discussion, and voting.
Maintain Communication:
Throughout the legislative journey, maintain open lines of communication with the lawmakers and their staff. Follow up with the sponsor of the bill (the lawmaker who introduces it) to know its progress, from the committee stage to voting. If your bill faces challenges or opposition, mobilize your supporters to write letters, call their representatives, or utilize social media to garner attention and support for the proposed changes.
Monitor Implementation:
Even after a bill becomes a law, your work with lawmakers continues. Stay engaged as responsible agencies develop rules and regulations to implement and enforce the new law. This process, known as regulatory or administrative advocacy, ensures that the law is applied in a manner that aligns with its intended purpose.
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Become a political lobbyist
In the United States, laws can be changed through a bill, which is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law. A bill can be proposed by a sitting member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives, or during their election campaign. Bills can also be petitioned by citizens or citizen groups who recommend a new or amended law to a member of Congress. Once a bill is introduced, it is assigned to a committee, which researches, discusses, and makes changes to the bill. The bill is then put before the chamber to be voted on. If the bill passes one body of Congress, it goes through a similar process in the other body. Once both bodies vote to accept a bill, they must work out any differences between the two versions. The president then considers the bill and can approve it, veto it, or refuse to sign it, in which case it is pocket vetoed. Congress can override a veto but not a pocket veto.
One way to influence this process is by becoming a political lobbyist. Lobbyists are professional advocates who influence political decisions for organizations or individuals. They present the interests of their clients, such as businesses or groups, to legislators and use their persuasive abilities to influence lawmakers to agree with their opinions. Lobbyists must understand the policy initiatives of governing agencies and develop strategies to promote their clients' agendas. They develop materials such as pamphlets and videos to distribute to the public and government members to gain support for their causes. Lobbyists cannot pay politicians for their votes, so rules are in place regarding disclosures, gift restrictions, and prohibitions. All lobbyists need to register with their state to show they are acting on behalf of a specific company or interest.
To become a lobbyist, it is important to have a strong professional network and build connections with other lobbyists, policymakers, and legislators. While a bachelor's degree in any field is sufficient, a degree in political science, public relations, economics, law, journalism, or communications can be advantageous. Postgraduate qualifications in these areas can further enhance career prospects. Internships with lobbying firms or companies that employ lobbyists can provide valuable practical experience and help individuals understand the legislative process.
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Draft a bill and submit it to the Cabinet for approval
Drafting a bill and submitting it to the Cabinet for approval is a crucial step in the legislative process. Here's a detailed guide on how to navigate this process effectively:
Understanding the Legislative Process
Before drafting a bill, it's essential to understand the legislative process and the role of the Cabinet. The Cabinet is a body of high-ranking members of the executive branch, usually consisting of the heads of various government departments or ministries. They play a key role in shaping and approving legislation before it is introduced in the legislature. The specific procedures and requirements for Cabinet approval may vary depending on the country and the level of government (local, state, or national).
Identifying the Need for a New Law or Amendment
Start by identifying a specific issue or problem that requires a legal solution. This could be a gap in existing legislation, an outdated law that needs to be updated, or a completely new area that requires regulation. It is also important to determine whether the proposed legislation falls under the jurisdiction of local, state, or national government, as this will impact the legislative process.
Researching and Drafting the Bill
Once you've identified the issue, conduct thorough research to understand the current legal landscape, including any existing laws or pending legislation related to your topic. Utilize resources such as legislative handbooks, templates, and guides to understand the specific requirements and format for drafting a bill. A typical bill structure includes the following:
- Main message: Clearly state the primary purpose or intention of the bill.
- Exceptions: Describe any persons or entities to whom the bill does not apply.
- Special rules: Identify persons or entities to whom the bill applies differently or for whom there is a unique message.
- Transitional rules: Outline the procedures for transitioning from existing laws or regulations to the new legislation.
- Other provisions: Include any additional provisions or definitions necessary for understanding the bill.
- Effective date: Specify when the bill, if passed, will come into force (if appropriate).
- "Authorization of appropriations" provisions: Address any funding requirements or allocations associated with implementing the bill.
Additionally, consider the following:
- Amending existing laws: If the bill amends an existing statute, use quotation marks to indicate the material being added or changed, following the standard legislative drafting conventions.
- Constitutional implications: If the bill impacts the constitution, powers, or procedures of the Parliament, seek Crown Law advice during the drafting stage.
- Legislative principles: Ensure that the bill complies with fundamental legislative principles. If there is a proposed departure from these principles, seek Cabinet approval and provide appropriate justifications.
- Human rights considerations: In some jurisdictions, all bills must be accompanied by a Statement of Compatibility to ensure that human rights are considered during the development of the legislation.
Engaging Stakeholders and Building Support
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including lawmakers, community leaders, and citizens who may be impacted by the proposed legislation. Build a coalition of supporters who can provide input, help refine the bill, and advocate for its passage. Utilize media campaigns, social media, and letter-writing initiatives to raise awareness and gather support for your proposal.
Submitting the Bill to the Cabinet for Approval
Once the bill has been thoroughly researched and drafted, it's time to submit it to the Cabinet for approval. Follow the specific procedures and guidelines outlined by the Cabinet, including any required documentation, such as a Cabinet Authority to Prepare a Bill submission. Ensure that the bill addresses any policy objectives and legislative proposals that require Cabinet consideration. Provide complete and accurate drafting instructions, taking into account any feedback or comments received from consulted Ministers and departments.
Remember, the process of drafting and approving a bill can be complex and time-consuming. It requires a deep understanding of the legislative landscape, strong collaboration with stakeholders, and adherence to the specific procedures outlined by the Cabinet and the legislature.
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Utilise social media and traditional media to gain attention and support
Social media and traditional media can be powerful tools to gain attention and support for your cause when seeking to change a law. Here are some strategies to consider:
Utilise Social Media
- Identify the social media platforms that align with your target audience. For example, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok may be suitable for reaching a wider, diverse audience, especially younger generations.
- Create a dedicated social media account or campaign hashtag for your cause. This helps centralise the conversation and makes it easier for people to find and follow your efforts.
- Craft compelling and shareable content. Share personal stories, facts, and updates related to your cause. Use relevant and engaging images, infographics, or videos to attract attention and encourage shares and retweets.
- Engage with influencers or public figures who support your cause. Their endorsement and reach can help amplify your message and attract a larger following.
- Use relevant and trending hashtags to increase the visibility of your posts and join ongoing conversations related to your topic.
- Host online events or live streams to engage directly with your supporters, answer questions, and provide updates.
Leverage Traditional Media
- Craft a compelling press release that tells your story, explains the change you're seeking, and highlights the impact on the community. Send it to local newspapers, radio stations, magazines, and television news outlets.
- Pitch your story to journalists and offer interviews. Share your personal journey and why this law change is important to you and the wider community.
- If there are particular journalists or media outlets known for covering stories related to your cause, reach out to them directly and try to establish a connection.
- Use traditional media to your advantage by sharing your story with local bulletin boards, community newsletters, or even organising a public event to gain attention and support.
By effectively utilising both social media and traditional media, you can increase awareness, engage supporters, and build momentum for your cause, ultimately helping to drive the change you seek in the law.
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Frequently asked questions
Identify the law you want to change and the level of government that created it—local, state, or national.
Write a clear and concise petition with a catchy headline and an impactful image. Collect signatures and spread the word through social media, local bulletin boards, and radio stations.
Engage with your elected representatives and work with them to write a new bill. You can also organise a letter-writing campaign or call their representatives to get their attention.
A bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law. It can be introduced by a sitting member of Congress or proposed during an election campaign.
The bill is assigned to a committee that researches, discusses, and makes changes to it. It is then put before the chamber to be voted on. If it passes one body of Congress, it goes through a similar process in the other body. Once both bodies accept the bill, they work out any differences between the two versions. The president then considers the bill and can approve it or veto it.
