How is federal policy established? To gain insight into this complex and often messy process, class members read an article that uses information on attempts to establish public policy in immigration to illustrate the role proposed bills, committee hearings, and floor debates play in the process.

Concepts

united states immigration, immigration, public policy, bills

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• If necessary, use the attached reference page to re-establish discussion norms
• The information in the background article is from 2008 and does not reflect current policy and issues; have groups research and update the information sheet
• Have class members view webcasts of current policy debates in Congress

Classroom Considerations

• Be sure a protocol is in place for the safe, respectful discussion of controversial issues
• Class members should have previous knowledge of the the law-making process including the role of committees, hearings, floor debates, and Conference Committees
• While the article does outline the process for establishing public policy, many may be confused by the explanation; consider developing a graphic that models the flow of proposed bills through the law-making process
• The eighth in a series of 11 resources, designed to be used in order, that focus on immigration

Pros

• The activity provides class members with an opportunity to experience the complexities of trying to establish public policies

Cons

• None

Common Core

RI.9-10.1 RI.11-12.1 RH.9-10.1 RH.11-12.1