1. Powers of Congress Unit 2.2
How a Bill Becomes a Law
Powers of Congress
Unit 2.2

2. Warm Up
If the president has the power to veto a bill, what power of Congress does this ‘check’?
If the president signs a bill into law, what power does another branch have to ‘check’ this action?

3. What do the football players represent?
What conclusions can you make about the separation of powers

4. Watch “ I’m Just a Bill ” and take notes about the lawmaking process
Watch “ I’m Just a Bill ” and take notes about the lawmaking process

5. Breakin’ it down questions
Independent Reading
Lawmaking Simulation
Where do revenue bills begin? Why?
Why might revenue bills always have to start in this house of Congress?
Why were there less Senators than Representatives?
Why might law making be easier in the Senate than in the House?
What was done in the conference committee?
What do you think happed to your bill after it left conference committee?

6. How a Bill Becomes a law Simulation
On your own…
Select a bill based on your assignment as a member of the House or the Senate
Reshape this idea as a formal bill to be introduced to your house AND write a one sentence explanation defending the need for your law.
With others….
Committee Work….Decide which bill should move on. You may change it as needed
House/Senate Debate….Again decide which bill should move on. You may change it as needed
Bills Exchanged & Introduced in other house
Debate and make any changes as needed
Conference Committee… if needed

7. Put in the correct order
A. Debate
B. President signs bill into law
C. Goes to the other house for committee, debate & vote
D. Conference committee
E. Introduction of bill
F. Vote
G. Goes to committee
1. Introduction of bill
2. Goes to committee
3. Debate
4. Vote
5. Goes to the other house for committee, debate & vote
6. Conference committee
7. President signs bill into law