GED 2002 Teachers' Handbook of Lesson Plans

Activity Title - Follow the Legislative Process of How a Bill Becomes a Law on the State Level

Area/Skill – Social Studies, LA Reading and Writing	Cognitive Skill Level – Sequencing and Critical Thinking
Activity Title - Follow the Legislative Process of How a Bill Becomes a Law on the State Level Goal/Objective To understand the legislative process of how a bill becomes a law. Lesson Outline/Introduction Discuss with students terminology i.e. amendment, vetoes. Discuss with students the step-by-step legislative process. Activity Hand out the step-by-step process of how a bill becomes a law and discuss with students the various steps involved. Debriefing/Evaluation Activity Have students review the step-by-step process and give an oral exam.	Materials, Texts, Realia, Handouts Chalk board Pencils Handout # 1 Extension Activity Have students discuss what laws they would pass. ESE Accommodations Have students discuss the process in citizenship classes.
Real-Life Connection Have students enact the process with role-playing.

Area/Skill – Social Studies, LA Reading and Writing

Cognitive Skill Level – Sequencing and Critical Thinking

Activity Title - Follow the Legislative Process of How a Bill Becomes a Law on the State Level

Introduction

Discuss the overall process of how a bill becomes a law on the state level.

Main Activity

Distribute to students the handout on how a bill becomes a law.

Say: Read the handout and discuss with students the process.

Closure/Conclusion

Ask students questions concerning the various steps for a bill to become a law.

Give students an exam regarding the various steps.

Follow-up lessons/Activities

Discuss with students what amendments are and the veto process in legislature.

Handout # 1 How A Bill Becomes A Law

A bill may be introduced in either the Senate or House of Representatives by a member.
It is referred to a committee for a hearing. The committee studies the bill and may hold public hearings on it. It can then pass, reject or take no action on the bill.
The committee report on the passed bill is read in open session of the House or Senate, and the bill is then referred to the Rules Committee.
The Rules Committee can either place the bill on the second reading of the calendar for debate before the entire body, or take no action.
At the second reading, a bill is subject to debate and amendment before being placed on the third reading calendar for final passage.
After passing one house, the bill goes through the same procedure in the other house.
If amendments are made, the other house must approve the changes.
When the bill is accepted in both house, it is signed by the respective leaders and sent to the governor.
The governor signs the bill into law or may veto all or part of it. If the governor fails to act on the bill, it may become law without a signature.

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