American Government & Economy Project:

November 1997

A government class assignment:

How A Bill Becomes A Law

Voters elect two senators from their state and one representative from the congressional district. These elected officials go to Washington to represent the voter’s interests, and to make laws that will govern the country, community and family.

Do you know how they actually make these laws?

The Assignment:

Using your text and any other sources you can think of, find out exactly how a law is made. Then use your knowledge to create a clear diagram which demonstrates the most typical way in which proposed legislation is enacted into law. After you have your diagram, answer the following questions and complete the chart.

1. How long does it take for a bill to go through this process?

2. How many bills a year on average become law?

3. What are some of the rules that are different for the house and the senate? Why do you think our founders created different rules for each chamber?