How Does Congress Make Laws?

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

So, you've got a great idea for a law.

A lot of people have ideas for laws. They may have noticed a gap in the current law, or perhaps the changing life circumstances have created the need for a new law.

The rise of the internet, for example, created the need for lots of new legislation and the clarification of old legislation.

Law is always evolving, and the process of making laws continues, so your idea for a law has a chance! It's a small chance, to be quite honest, but see how this process works and take your chance.

Before you go any farther, think about the following questions and write down your thoughts.

• What is the step-by-step process for making a law?
• Why do so few bills make it through the whole process to become law?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of this process?

Watch the video below to find out more about the process of law-making. Revisit the questions above and write down any new information you uncover that helps you answer them.

Next, review Article I: Legislative Branch of the United States Constitution. Revisit the questions above and add any new information you gather.

Consider these questions.

• What laws do you think should be made?
• What laws do you think should never have been made?
• What is the role of Congress in American government?
• How effectively does Congress fulfill that role?

Now that you know a bit more about the process, you can take a look at some real, live bills and develop your own opinions about some of the ideas for laws that are making their way through Congress right now!

Head to the Got It? section to see what's going on in Congress today!