DO NOWDO NOW
Recall three powers Congress is given from the Jigsaw yesterday.
AgendaAgenda
1. Do Now
2. How a Bill Becomes a Law Notes
3. How a Bill Becomes a Law Comic
CompetencyCompetency
Students will demonstrate an understanding of how the Congress is organized and will be able to demonstrate an understanding of how a bill becomes a law.
ObjectivesObjectives
SWBAT create a comic strip that accurately portrays the process a bill takes to become a law.
How a Bill Becomes a How a Bill Becomes a LawLaw
A bill is a proposed law.
Bills can be introduced in either house unless..
Appropriation Bill- bill approving raising of money (must begin in the House!)
Each bill must pass in the House and the Senate then be approved by the President
A law is also known as an act.
Sources of LegislationSources of Legislation
U.S. citizens
organized groups
congressional committees
members of congress
President.
The House and the The House and the Senate Consider the Senate Consider the
BillBill Bill is introduced
Bill is sent to a standing committee.
Bill can be sent to a subcommittee or may die during consideration
Committee hearings are held where people argue for or against the bill
The bill may be changed rejected or accepted as is.
The House Acts on a The House Acts on a BillBill
Committee recommends bill- bill reported out of committee
Bill is placed on House Calendar
Speaker chooses when or if a bill will be debated
House Rules Committee decides how long to debate
Committee of the Whole considers amendments
House votes on bill- needs a majority to pass
Roll-call- each members name is called and a record of their vote is taken
If the Bill passes it is sent to Senate
The Senate Acts on a The Senate Acts on a BillBill
Same process as House- must go through committees
No limit on debate or speeches
“talking the bill to death”- filibuster
3/5ths of full Senate must vote for debate to end and vote on the bill- cloture
Sent to the House if started in Senate
Joint CommitteeJoint Committee
Conference Committee- compromises on differences in bills passed in Senate and House (joint committee)
Compromises must be approved by both houses
The President Acts on The President Acts on the Billthe Bill
1. Sign bill and declare it law
2. Veto- tells congress why he rejects it
3. Pocket Veto- 10 day period with congress out of session.
Congress can overturn veto by a 2/3rds vote in both houses