The Legislative Process (House of Representatives) Learning About the Legislative Process (Senate) Kids in the House (House of Representatives) – provides educational and entertaining information about the legislative branch of the United States Government to students of all ages.
The Federalist Papers – Full Text of The Federalist, commonly referred to as the Federalist Papers, a series of 85 essays written by Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, and James Madison between October 1787 and May 1788.
Below are simple guidelines to follow for writing a bill. 1. Select an area of interest. drugs The first step in writing your bill is to select a topic. Write a bill on an area of national politics that you know a little bit about.
There are three types of legislation: A Bill, which establishes a new law; A Congressional Resolution, which expresses the sentiment of Congress; A Constitutional Amendment, which changes or adds to the U.S. Constitution. 5. Draft your bill.
The Congressional Research Service (CRS) provides members of Congress with nonpartisan research and analysis of issues. Although these reports are not directly available to the public, some members of Congress have provided access to some of these reports on their websites. 3. Select a specific subject/ problem.
2. Debate begins with a 6 minute opening speech from the sponsor of the bill, followed by a 6 minute opening speech from the main opponent of the bill (as selected by committee).
Debate begins with a 6 minute opening speech from the sponsor of the bill, followed by a 6 minute opening speech from the main opponent of the bill (as selected by committee). If the main speakers do not use all of his or her time, he or she may yield the remaining time to questions or to the chair. 3.
Whereas: With today’s technology, nuclear power is almost completely safe .
When writing about a particular bill or piece of legislation, include the official number so they know exactly what you're referring to ( it also helps your credibility).
Your letter will be more effective if you address a single topic or issue rather than a variety of issues you may feel passionate about. Typed, one-page letters are best. Many Political Action Committees (PACs) recommend a three-paragraph letter structured like this: 1 Say why you are writing and who you are. List your "credentials" and state that you are a constituent. It also doesn't hurt to mention if you voted for or donated to them. If you want a response, you must include your name and address, even when using email. 2 Provide more detail. Be factual and not emotional. Provide specific rather than general information about how the topic affects you and others. If a certain bill is involved, cite the correct title or number whenever possible. 3 Close by requesting the action you want to be taken. It might be a vote for or against a bill, a change in general policy, or some other action, but be specific.
Key Things to Remember 1 Be courteous and respectful without "gushing." 2 Clearly and simply state the purpose of your letter. If it's about a certain bill, identify it correctly. 3 Say who you are. Anonymous letters go nowhere. Even in email, include your correct name, address, phone number, and email address. If you don't include at least your name and address, you will not get a response. 4 State any professional credentials or personal experience you may have, especially those pertaining to the subject of your letter. 5 Keep your letter short—one page is best. 6 Use specific examples or evidence to support your position. 7 State what it is you want to be done or recommend a course of action. 8 Thank the member for taking the time to read your letter.
Concise, well thought out personal letters are one of the most effective ways Americans have of influencing the lawmakers they elect. Members of Congress get hundreds of letters and emails every day, so you will want your letter stand out.
Typed, one-page letters are best. Many Political Action Committees (PACs) recommend a three-paragraph letter structured like this:
Even in email, include your correct name, address, phone number, and email address . If you don't include at least your name and address, you will not get a response. State any professional credentials or personal experience you may have, especially those pertaining to the subject of your letter.
What Not to Do. Just because they represent the voters does not mean that members of Congress are subject to abuse or belittlement. As impassioned as you may be about an issue, your letter will be more effective if it's written from a calm, logical perspective.
Members of the House or Senate draft, sponsor and introduce bills for consideration by Congress. Only Members of Congress can introduce bills. After introduction, the bill is usually assigned to a Committee.
The bill is returned to the full House or Senate for further debate and approval. At this point members may propose amendments to the bill, add additional text, or otherwise alter the bill.
leaders of Congress can reward members with good assignments or punish wayward members with bad assignments. House Rules Committee. committee that establishes how debate happens in the House. agenda setting. often a negative power because it is exercised by keeping items off the agenda. veto.
proposal power. ability of member of congress to propose a bill (which goes to a committee) Gatekeeping Authority. the power of a committee chair to choose whether or not to act on a bill. mark-up. the actual process of writing a bill; writing the bill in formal, legal language. discharge petition.
trustee representation. a representative who acts in ways he/she thinks is in the best interest of the community as a whole (Senate, originally) sociological representation. representatives have the same racial, ethnic, gender, religious, or educational background as their constituents.
political party. a group of voters/Congresspeople organized to support certain public policies. Hastert Rule. a "rule" created by Dennis Hastert where he would only bring a bill to the floor of the House for a vote if a majority of the majority party supported it.
case work. provides direct services to constituents; this is usually done by congressional staffers and includes things like answering questions about how to get certain government benefits. patronage. government jobs provided by congressmen to their constituents.
Hastert Rule. a "rule" created by Dennis Hastert where he would only bring a bill to the floor of the House for a vote if a majority of the majority party supported it. logrolling. quid-pro-quo bargaining; the practice of exchanging favors by reciprocal voting for each other's proposed legislation. divided government.
caucus system (in Congress) semi-formal group of Congresspeople organized around particular identities or interests; no official function in the legislative process; allow for meeting and discussion of specific topics. Speaker of the House. -3rd most powerful person in government (behind President and VP) -Leader of the House.