1. DO NOW
 Recall three powers Congress is given from the Jigsaw
yesterday.

2. Agenda
1. Do Now
2. How a Bill Becomes a Law Notes
3. How a Bill Becomes a Law Comic

3. Competency
 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.

4. Objectives
 SWBAT create a comic strip that accurately portrays
the process a bill takes to become a law.

5. How a Bill Becomes a Law
 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.

6. Sources of Legislation
 U.S. citizens
 organized groups
 congressional
committees
 members of congress
 President.

7. The House and the Senate
Consider the Bill
 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.

8. The House Acts on a Bill
 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

9. The Senate Acts on a Bill
 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

10. Joint Committee
 Conference Committee- compromises on differences in
bills passed in Senate and House (joint committee)
 Compromises must be approved by both houses

11. The President Acts on the
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