Directions• Copy the AIM onto your notes sheet

• Copy your HW

• Complete Do Now

• Watch School House Rock; I’m Just A Bill located on the class website under “class assignments. Fill in the outline.

• Fill in the bubbles on the outline using the flow chart in this power point

• See how certain factors influence the law-making process by filling in your chart using the remaining slides in the power point – only copy the red – additional information/sources on the slides can be used to further your understanding of the topic.

The Law-Making Process

• AIM: How do certain factors influence the law-making process?

• Do Now: What is the job of the legislative branch?

• HW:PAC’s

How A Bill Becomes A LawSchool House Rock; I’m just a bill

Law-Making Process Flow Chart

• See handout

Additional Vocabulary• Filibuster: attempt to block or delay

Senate action on a bill (keep debating)

• Pocket Veto: The Constitution grants the president 10 days to review a measure passed by the Congress. If the president has not signed the bill after 10 days, it becomes law without his signature. However, if Congress adjourns during the 10-day period, the bill does not become law.

Factors Affecting the Legislative Process

• The Constitution• The President• Political Parties• Media• Public• Lobbyists • Political Action Committees (PAC’s)

The ConstitutionCongress must pass laws that are constitutional- in line with the Constitution.

EXAMPLE: Wisconsin Voter ID Law Ruled Unconstitutional

WASHINGTON -- A Wisconsin judge declared a state law requiring people to show photo ID in order to be allowed to vote unconstitutional on Monday, issuing a permanent injunction blocking the state from implementing the measure."Without question, where it exists, voter fraud corrupts elections and undermines our form of government," wrote Dane County Circuit Judge Richard Niess in his decision. "The legislature and governor may certainly take aggressive action to prevent its occurrence. But voter fraud is no more poisonous to our democracy than voter suppression. Indeed, they are two heads on the monster."

The President

• The President influences the law making process by suggesting legislation and encouraging laws he supports

EXAMPLE:Obama supports legislation to repeal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) “The president has long called for a legislative repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, which continues to have a real impact on the lives of real people –our families, friends and neighbors,” White House press secretary Jay Carney said at today’s press briefing.

Political Parties

Members of political parties generally vote along party lines. Sometimes, the break and vote the other way.

EXAMPLEMiddle-class Tax Relief | U.S. Congress Votes Database - The Washington PostThe Washington Post

The Media

Effects of Social Media in LawIn the past few years, the emergence of social media and the easy ability for users to communicate has drastically changed the news media landscape. Social online communities has allowed many users to united over various issues and form strong widespread interest groups. Whether through user generated news stories, opinion blogs, message boards, interest based websites, there is a large shift towards transparency and participation. In the minds of internet users, user reviews and opinions has become the source to get authentic, objective news.

Media

• Information is spread quickly through the Internet, TV, radio and newspapers– Information can be biased and influence

voters

Public

• Can suggest laws to representatives and persuade them to introduce them to Congress

Lobbyists

• A 'lobbyist' is a person who tries to influence legislation on behalf of a special interest group. Professional lobbyists are people whose business is trying to influence legislation on behalf of a group or individual who hires them

EXAMPLE• Video

Political Action Committees• A political action committee (PAC) is any

organization in the United States that campaigns for or against political candidates or legislation. PACs donate considerable amounts of money to ensure their interests are reflected in policy and legislation.

EXAMPLE• Major PACs & $ contributed to 2008 Presidential Election• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers PAC

$3,344,650 • AT&T Federal PAC $3,108,200 • American Bankers Association (BANK PAC) $2,918,140 • PAC Video

Summary

Summary:1. Answer AIM

2. Which outside factor do you believe has the greatest impact on the law-making process and why?