making law citizens the legislative process making law

making law citizens & the legislative process

making law * what is the purpose of FUNDAMENTAL LAW? * what is the purpose of STATUTORY LAWS? * who can change FUNDAMENTAL LAW? * who can make STATUTORY LAW? * who can influence the making of STATUTORY LAWS?

making law: from bill to law bills are introduced in each house of congress: HOUSE vote SENATE vote reconcile differences s send PRESIDENT if v sig eto na or tu no re = no law if either or both houses votes � no = BILL dies if both vote � �yes = BILL yes (not yet a law) = BILL survives vote dent i s e r to P if signs bill = bill returns to congress or dies (not yet a law) LAW Congress can over-ride veto w/ 2/3 vote

making law: influencing the Congress HOUSE SENATE bills are introduced in each house of congress: if both House & Senate vote yes on the same bill it is sent to the President who can sign it or veto it PRESIDENT

bills are introduced in each house of congress: making law: influencing the Congress HOUSE SENATE questions: * who writes the laws? * how can citizens influence the law? * who do the members of Congress represent? PRESIDENT

bills are introduced in each house of congress making law: influencing the Congress who influences the Congress & the President? HOUSE SENATE constit uents ts s lobbyi s voter l na o ssi C re g on S taf s fer po supp PRESIDENT lit ica lp ar tie orte rs s!!

making law: influencing the Congress how do each of these “inputs” function? constit uents ts s lobbyi s voter l na C g on re o ssi af t S s fer supp po lit ica lp ar tie s !! orte rs

making law: influencing the Congress how do each of these “inputs” function? constit uents ts s lobbyi s voter l na C g on re o ssi af t S s fer supp po lit ica lp ar tie s !! orte rs

Student Questions for Opportunity Scholars Rally 9/30/09 For Congressional Staffers: * How can we fix this situation? * Do congressmen really read the bills? * Have you ever changed the wording of a bill to suit your personal beliefs? * What are your exact duties? * How does it feel to possess so much power? How does it feel to be so important? * Why do you change bills for no good reason? * Why does Congress want to take away School Choice just because students can't afford it? * How do you respond to lobbyists? * Why can't I talk to you, instead of just lobbyists? * In what ways do you help the community/ country? * How do you prepare your legislators to know everything about a bill that he/she has to vote on? a * Are laws as hard to get rid of as they are to pass, or is it harder? * Do congressmen really care about public opinion?

For Lobbyists: * Do you ever lobby for something you don't agree with? * Does your work ever collide w/ your moral beliefs? * How can I get access to Congressmen and staffers like you do? * Why such passion for your cause? * How many people do you see in a day? * Do you use staffers as flunkies? * Were you ever nervous to meet Senators & Congressmen? * Do you protect the interests of the country or just for yourself? * How will you access the Congressmen or staffers in a way that will be effective? * why are lobbyists needed? * What special interest groups are against you and why? * How can you work with people who disagree with you? * How do political parties impact your work?