How a Bill Becomes a Law


Civics The Federal Government How a Bill Becomes a Law
Students learn how a bill becomes a law at the federal level. First, they identify the different steps in the process. Then they learn how a bill can be blocked and consider why the Constitution created a long and complex process for creating laws. Finally, students research and report on application of the process for a new bill that was introduced in recent years.

This learning experience is designed for device-enabled classrooms. The teacher guides the lesson, and students use embedded resources, social media skills, and critical thinking skills to actively participate. To get access to a free version of the complete lesson, sign up for an exploros account.

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Here are the teacher pack items for How a Bill Becomes a Law:

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Overview

In this experience, students learn how a bill becomes a law at the federal level. First, they identify the different steps in the process. Then they learn how a bill can be blocked and consider why the Constitution created a long and complex process for creating laws. Finally, students research and report on application of the process for a new bill that was introduced in recent years.

Students will collaborate in small groups for scene 4.

Objectives:

  • Explain how a bill becomes a law.
  • Describe how a bill can be blocked from becoming a law.


Trump sitting at his desk

President Donald Trump signing a bill into law


Did you ever wish that you could make the rules? One of the main roles of Congress (the legislative branch of government) is to make rules for the whole country. These rules are called laws. Every year about 5,000 bills are introduced by Congress. A bill is a proposed law. Getting a bill passed and turned into a law is a long and difficult process. Of all the bills that are proposed, only about 10% become law. In this experience you will learn how a bill becomes a law at the national—or federal—level.

Objectives:

  • Explain how a bill becomes a law.
  • Describe how a bill can be blocked from becoming a law.
Before looking at the federal level, let’s consider a place that affects your life—your school. What single change, or new rule, do you think would improve your school? 


Write a new rule, or law, that you think would improve your school. Write it in the form of a law such as: “Teachers are not allowed to give homework during school vacations."

Post your answer

Review the proposed laws. Then ask students: Who should be able to discuss and vote on the law you proposed? What should the process be to pass it as an official law?


When everyone is ready to continue, unlock the next scene. 

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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in The Federal Government Unit.
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