Lawmaking

Mr. Rhodes

“I’m Just a Bill”

Bill- proposed new law or an amendment to an already existing law.

Law- A bill or act passed by the legislative body.

Most ideas for bills come from the ideas of everyday citizens!!!!!!!!!!

Types of Bills

Public Bill- Apply to the nation as a whole. Ex. Civil Rights Act of 1964

Private Bill- Apply to certain persons or places rather than an entire nation.

Ex. Congress passed an act to give an Idaho sheep rancher $85,000 for his losses resulting from attacks by grizzly bears which had been moved nearby.

Types of Bills

Appropriation Bill- legislative motion that allows the government to spend money.

Ex. Defense spending to support troops in Iraq.

Writing a Bill

It is important that when a bill is written that proper language is used.

There is a push to now write laws in more simplistic language. However, many laws are still written in a language that is too complex to understand.

What Needs To Happen For A Bill To Pass To A Law? Once a bill passes through the House and the Senate committees it

goes to the floor.

Once on the floor a debate begins.

After the debate there is a vote. Majority rules.

It then goes to the president and if he signs off it the bill becomes a law.

If he the president gives the bill a veto it can stay alive with a 2/3 vote.

The Debate

House of Representatives Short and Sweet

Senate Much more time. Members can

block legislation Filibuster- prolonged debate or

other delaying tactics aimed at blocking the passage of a bill favored by a majority of lawmakers…can go on for days.

Hold- signals the intention to launch a filibuster

Cloture- supermajority (2/3 vote can cut off the debate)

Ways Congress Votes

Voice Vote All together call out aye (yes) or no

Standing Vote Stand to be counted

Roll Call Vote Each member’s vote if officially recorded

About 5,000 bills are introduced in Congress every year, but only about 150 are signed into a law.

Why do you think so few bills become a law?

Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Should the lawmaking process be reformed?

What changes would you recommend?

School House Rock

I’m Just a Bill