Directions
• Copy the AIM onto your notes sheet
• Copy your HW
• Complete Do Now
• Watch School House Rock; I’m Just A Bill located on the class website
under “class assignments. Fill in the outline.
• Fill in the bubbles on the outline using the flow chart in this power point
• See how certain factors influence the law-making process by filling in
your chart using the remaining slides in the power point – only copy the
red – additional information/sources on the slides can be used to further
your understanding of the topic.
The Law-Making Process
• AIM: How do certain factors influence the
law-making process?
• Do Now: What is the job of the legislative
branch?
• HW:PAC’s
How A Bill Becomes A Law
School House Rock; I’m just a bill
Law-Making Process Flow Chart
• See handout
Additional Vocabulary
• Filibuster: attempt to block or delay
Senate action on a bill (keep debating)
• Pocket Veto: The Constitution grants the
president 10 days to review a measure
passed by the Congress. If the president has
not signed the bill after 10 days, it becomes
law without his signature. However, if
Congress adjourns during the 10-day period,
the bill does not become law.
Factors Affecting the
Legislative Process
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The Constitution
The President
Political Parties
Media
Public
Lobbyists
Political Action Committees (PAC’s)
The Constitution
Congress must pass laws that are constitutional- in line with the
Constitution.
EXAMPLE:
Wisconsin Voter ID Law Ruled Unconstitutional
WASHINGTON -- A Wisconsin judge declared a state law requiring
people to show photo ID in order to be allowed to vote
unconstitutional on Monday, issuing a permanent injunction blocking the
state from implementing the measure.
"Without question, where it exists, voter fraud corrupts elections and
undermines our form of government," wrote Dane County Circuit Judge
Richard Niess in his decision. "The legislature and governor may certainly
take aggressive action to prevent its occurrence. But voter fraud is no more
poisonous to our democracy than voter suppression. Indeed, they are two
heads on the monster."
The President
• The President influences the law making process by
suggesting legislation and encouraging laws he supports
EXAMPLE:
Obama supports legislation to repeal Defense of
Marriage Act (DOMA)
“The president has long called for a legislative
repeal of the so-called Defense of Marriage Act,
which continues to have a real impact on the lives of real
people –our families, friends and neighbors,” White
House press secretary Jay Carney said at today’s press
briefing.
Political Parties
Members of political parties generally
vote along party lines. Sometimes, the
break and vote the other way.
EXAMPLE
Middle-class Tax Relief | U.S. Congress
Votes Database - The Washington
PostThe Washington Post
The Media
Effects of Social Media in Law
In the past few years, the emergence of social media
and the easy ability for users to communicate has
drastically changed the news media landscape. Social
online communities has allowed many users to
united over various issues and form strong
widespread interest groups. Whether through user
generated news stories, opinion blogs, message boards,
interest based websites, there is a large shift towards
transparency and participation. In the minds of internet
users, user reviews and opinions has become the source
to get authentic, objective news.
Media
• Information is spread quickly through the
Internet, TV, radio and newspapers
– Information can be biased and influence
voters
Public
• Can suggest laws to representatives and
persuade them to introduce them to
Congress
Lobbyists
• A 'lobbyist' is a person who tries to influence
legislation on behalf of a special interest
group. Professional lobbyists are people
whose business is trying to influence
legislation on behalf of a group or individual
who hires them
EXAMPLE
• Video
Political Action Committees
• A political action committee (PAC) is any organization in
the United States that campaigns for or against political
candidates or legislation. PACs donate considerable
amounts of money to ensure their interests are reflected in
policy and legislation.
EXAMPLE
• Major PACs & $ contributed to 2008 Presidential Election
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers PAC
$3,344,650
• AT&T Federal PAC $3,108,200
• American Bankers Association (BANK PAC) $2,918,140
• PAC Video
Summary
Summary:
1. Answer AIM
2. Which outside factor do you believe
has the greatest impact on the lawmaking process and why?