CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: How Are Laws Made?
A tutorial that explains the process that must be followed in order for a new law to be made. A PDF file of the tutorial is available.
PBS
Pbs: Passing a Bill Through Congress
Student handout provides the steps for how to pass a bill through Congress.
iCivics
I Civics: Separation of Powers: What's for Lunch?
Students find out how the three branches of government interact with each other and how decisions about laws are made by several parts of the U.S. government.
Library of Congress
Loc: Enactment of a Law
This site explains the legislative process of how a law becomes enacted, step by step.
PBS
Structure of Congress and the Legislative Process Lesson
This lesson explores the structure of Congress and the legislative process. There is an introduction, a research activity, an assessment, and a role play activity.
Harry S. Truman Library and Museum
Harry S. Truman Library & Museum: Three Branches of Government
Interactive teaching unit for Grades 5-8 that helps to explain the three branches of government and the the balance of power. Topics covered include balance of government, how a bill becomes a law, the amendment process, the Legislative...
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Learning Adventures: How Laws Are Made: The Language of the Law
Learning Adventures from Bensguide summarizes the process of lawmaking outlined in the U.S. Constitution and provides links to a glossary of legislative terms and Congressional Resolution from 2003.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: It's in the Hopper!
A Congressional simulation in which middle schoolers research a topic of interest, write a bill, and submit the bill for consideration by a Congressional committee of their peers. This instructional activity teaches in a real way the...
Other
The Dirksen Congressional Center
An effective site that provides non-partisan information concerning Congress and its leaders. The website includes CongressLink, up-to-date information on the US Congress; Congress for Kids, an excellent resource for younger students on...
US National Archives
National Archives: Congress at Work: Presidential Veto
The veto process is an integral part of our checks and balances. Introduce the power of the presidential veto and override to a class using an example from President Nixon's administration. Materials include the Constitution, worksheets,...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: "I'm Just a Bill"
Students will examine current and recently introduced Congressional legislation using the Thomas search engine. After reading legislation, students will write and post their proposed legislation for peer editing and comment. This lesson...
Other
Schoolhouse Rock: I'm Just a Bill
This site from Schoolhouse Rock provides the lyrics to a song from History Rock. Follow the trek of this little bill, all the way to becoming a full-fledged law. This comes from the popular 1970s cartoon series, Schoolhouse Rock.
US National Archives
Docsteach: The Legislative Process: Congress at Work
Students will analyze historical records of the House and Senate to understand the sequence of steps in the legislative process. The students will work collaboratively to study documents and identify the step in the process that each...
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress Link: Lesson Plans
The Dirksen Congressional Center provides abundant lesson plans on all aspects of the US Congress and the US Constitution. All lessons contain time frames, objectives, and links to material, and are built around Bloom's taxonomy.
Library of Congress
Loc: congress.gov: The Legislative Process: Senate Floor
Watch this video on the unique rules and procedures governing floor debate and amending in the Senate. A transcript is provided, along with a chart of the legislative process. [4:18]
PBS
Pbs News Hour Extra: Martin Luther King Day Came Out of Legislative Struggle
Now a national call to service day, Martin Luther King Day actually began as a day of commemoration for King despite some opposition from various states and representatives. Also of interest, be sure to click: "How does a bill become a...
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Pollution Politics
Students learn how a bill becomes law in the U.S. Congress and research legislation related to global warming.
TeachEngineering
Teach Engineering: Let's Heat Things Up!
Young scholars observe demonstrations, and build and evaluate simple models to understand the greenhouse effect, the role of increased greenhouse gas concentration in global warming, and the implications of global warming theory for...
Louisiana Department of Education
Louisiana Doe: Louisiana Believes: Social Studies: Grade 8: Impact of Citizens
Learners develop and express claims through discussions and writing which examine the causes and consequences of environmental issues in Louisiana, and how we as citizens can affect our government.
iCivics
I Civics: The Electoral Process
Take a peek into the electoral process from party primaries to the general election. Students will learn the distinctions between the popular vote and the Electoral College, and exercise their critical reasoning skills to analyze the...
Other
Prime Minister of Canada: Cabinet
Canada's current cabinet members are listed here along with the portfolio each member looks after. The mandate of the cabinet is also thoroughly explained.