1. What is the lawmaking process??

2. Expressed: Those powers that are specifically listed in the Constitution of the United States Implied: Not listed, but used to carry out expressed powers The Legislative Powers Review

3. How Congress Makes Laws Congress’ powers are limited by the Constitution. Congress has two types of powers: expressed and implied. Example: The Constitution says that Congress can regulate trade. It does not say anything about having airports. But in order to regulate trade, Congress has created the FAA to regulate airports and airplane safety.

4. What do the laws Congress makes have to do with me? Civil Rights Laws Outlaws discrimination in employment Education Grants, loans and scholarships for college Automobile Safety Auto safety standards including seat belts and air bags. Defense Funds the U.S. military for our national security

5. 1. Introducing a bill by a Senator or Representative The lawmaking process in Congress 2. Working in committees 3. Debating the bill on the floor of each house 4. Voting on the bill in each house 5. Sending the bill to the president to sign into law

6. Step 1: Introducing a Bill A bill can be introduced by a Senator or a Representative. Gerry Connolly (D) House of Representatives Jim Webb (D) Senate Mark Warner (D) Senate

7. Step 2: Working in Committees The bill is then referred to a committee. Examples of Committees include: Agriculture, Education, Foreign Relations, Defense The Committee debates the bill and can make changes to it. Then they decide to either “table” the bill or send it back to the full House or Senate. Most bills never get out of committee.

8. Step 3: Debate on the Floor The bill is then debated by the House or Senate. Representatives and Senators speak for or against the bill and may make changes (amendments) to it.

9. Step 4: Voting on the Bill in Both Houses The bill must then be voted on in the House and the Senate.

10. Step 5: The President Signs the Bill into Law The President can either sign the bill or veto it. If he signs it, it becomes a law. If he vetoes it, it goes back to Congress to see if they can override his veto with a 2/3 majority vote in both houses. If he doesn’t sign it and Congress is in session, it becomes a law in 10 days. If he doesn’t sign it and Congress is not in session, the bill does not become a law. This is called a pocket veto.

11. Elected officials in Congress write laws and takes action in response to problems or issues. Individuals and interest groups help shape legislation. Factors Influencing The National Lawmaking Process

12. Can citizens affect Congress? Individuals and interest groups help shape legislation by letting Congress know what kind of laws they want and need.

13. How the executive branch influences policymaking Proposing legislation in an annual speech to Congress (State of the Union Address) Appealing directly to the people Approving or vetoing legislation Appointing officials who carry out the laws

15. What about the state level?????

16. 1. Introducing a bill by a Senator or Delegate The lawmaking process in the Virginia General Assembly 2. Working in committees 3. Debating the bill on the floor of each house 4. Voting on the bill in each house 5. Sending the bill to the governor to sign into law

17. Elected officials in the Virginia General Assembly write laws & take response to problems or issues. Individuals and interest groups help shape legislation. Factors Influencing The State Lawmaking Process

18. Education: To promote an informed and engaged citizenry (i.e., establish minimum standards for local schools = SOL’s) Public health: To promote and protect the health of its citizens (i.e., fund health benefits) Environment: To protect natural resources (i.e., improve water quality in the Chesapeake Bay) State budget: To approve a biennial (two year) budget prepared by the governor Revenue : To levy and collect taxes The primary issues in the State Legislative Process

19. Bill is signed or vetoed by the president. Bill is introduced in either the House or Senate. (Let’s say House) Bill is debated in Senate. If the president vetoes the bill then 2/3 of both houses must override the veto. Approved bill is sent to House or Senate (Since it started in House, it goes to Senate)

20. House – Introduce – Committee – Debating – Voting ----YES Senate – Introduced – Committee – Debated – Voting ---YES President -Sign it into LAW!!! -VETO