Getting a bill through the legislative process to become a law in the United States is a very long and difficult procedure by design! To understand the deliberation, debate, and compromises involved, class members take on the role of either congressional representatives or senators and duplicate the process for six bills up for consideration.

Concepts

civics, bills, the united states congress, compromises, american democracy, consensus, the legislative branch, laws

Show More Show Less

Classroom Considerations

• The sixth in a series of 10 civics-related resources

Pros

• Includes step-by-step directions
• The topics of the proposed bills are designed to appeal to middle and high schoolers (e.g. the addition of a 6-hour school day on Saturday) 
• Includes background information on why the process is so complicated

Cons

• None