POL 101: American Political Institutions
Cerritos College
Spring
2021
POL 101(20663, 20667 ): American Political
Institutions
Class meeting on Zoom MW 9:30am-10:45am (POL 101-20663) and MW 11am-12:15pm (POL 101-20667)
On the day and time (try to be a bit early) of your class or other meeting (i.e.,
individual office hour appointment), log-in to your Canvas account for this class.
On the upper left hand find “TechConnectZoom” and click on it. It will open up the
TechConnectZoom home page.
Once you are in your TechConnectZoom page, see “Upcoming Event” for the class or appointment you are to participate in. Find the blue Join button and click on it and you will enter the event!
Now, you’re in the classroom and ready to learn! Make sure your audio works and you are on “mute,” so your background noise doesn’t interfere with Professor Obazuaye’s lecture. Unmute to ask a question or use the “Chat” function.
COURSE SYLLABUS: This is a tentative syllabus; there MAY be changes made to the Exams, Quizzes, and Reading Assignments if necessary, as the semester progresses.
TO GET STARTED
FIRST READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTION
Beginning Monday, January 11, go to POL 101(20663 - 9:30am MW or 20667 - ) 9:30am MW - OBAZUAYE, S (mypearson.com) to register in MyLab by following the instructions in the handout.
NOTE: You must first register an access code to be able to access the course materials in MyLab.
After you have successfully register in MyLab, read the MyLab Tutorial, and take the MyLab Tutorial quiz for 10 points extra credit. ALL OTHER COURSE ASSIGNMENTS ARE IN THE MYLAB CALENDAR.
INSTRUCTOR: DR. SUNDAY P. OBAZUAYE
OFFICE: N/A
PHONE: N/A
E-MAIL: sobazuaye@cerritos.edu
OFFICE HOURS: No Office Hours held on campus. However, I will meet with students on Zoom by appointment on MTW 12:30pm-1:30pm; and reply students’ email within 24 hours during the weekday, M – TH
*** Always include your full name and class ticket number (POL 101-20663) in ALL your email to me.
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will fundamentally facilitate an understanding of democratic ideals and American politics. Emphasis will be placed on the decisionmaking process and the principal actors and/or decision makers. We will analyze the American public, the three institutions of government (the legislative, executive and judicial branches), major American linkage institutions (the bureaucracy, elections, political parties, the mass media, interest groups, and public opinion), the politics of public policy (social, economic, and foreign and defense), and some aspects of California state and local government.
Transfer credit: CSU; UC (CAN GOVT 2)
INSTRUCTIONAL MODES AND STRATEGIES
Class lectures, discussions, occasional videos, writing assignments, group assignments, and whenever possible, guest lecturers will be utilized.
COURSE GOALS/Objectives
Students will gain an understanding of 1) American democratic ideals; 2) the major documents, institutions, actors, and policies at the federal, state, and local government levels; and 3) the ability to critically analyze American politics relative to the ideals of American democracy. Overall goal is to help students understand the Structure, Process, and Working of the American Political System.
Students Learning Outcomes:
1. Students will be able to distinguish between the different branches of government.
2. Students will be able to recognize the historical significance of, the powers granted
to the government, and the limitations placed upon the government in the United States
Constitution.
3. Students will be able to describe the process by which policies are established.
4. Students will be able to recognize the rights and responsibilities of citizens
in our democracy.
COURSE MATERIALS
A. The following textbook is required for this course, and is available ONLY in the Cerritos College Bookstore.
Edwards, et al Government in America: People, Politics and Policy. Fifth Custom Edition For Cerritos College and MPSL PKG with Access Code by Pearson, 2018.
NOTE: Although the required course material is the Textbook package with Access Code, students have the option to buy only the Standalone Access code, which comes with eText through www.pearson.com/mylab
NOTE: The textbook and access code are not available on Amazon or any other online sources.
B. In addition to the recommended textbook, students are encouraged to follow current political events in the media. Exemplary sources include: ABC News, Associated Press BBC World News, CNN News, National Public Radio, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, C-SPAN, etc. (Newspapers are available in the library and on the internet).
For Technical Assistance with MyLab Access Code and online materials go to: https://support.pearson.com/getsupport/s/
ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING (Tentative)
Readings
You are responsible for reading all assigned chapters. We will attempt to cover as many chapters to meet the objectives of the course. Once you have purchased the required textbook and corresponding Mylab Student Access Code card, you will have all the materials you need to complete this course.
***PowerPoints for all lectures will be available on Canvas “Files” Tab.
Examinations (in MyLab Calendar: www.pearson.com/mylab)
1. You will be required to complete 12 chapter exams (tentatively) during the course
of the semester. Read the Weekly Assignments portion of this syllabus carefully for
chapter exam assignments accompanying each week’s readings. The exams are open book.
YOU ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE A CHAPTER EXAM ONLY ONE TIME. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE READ A CHAPTER
AND YOU ARE READY TO TAKE THE EXAM IN ONE SITTING BEFORE YOU OPEN IT. Each chapter
exam is worth 25 points. (12x25 = 300 points)
2. There are no make-up or RE-DO/RETAKE of examinations, so do not ask for one. You
must submit your exam by the due date in order for it to be graded.
Videos & Quizzes (in MyLab Calendar: www.pearson.com/mylab)
You will be required to complete 20 Videos and Quizzes. Read the Weekly Assignments portion of this syllabus carefully for videos and accompanying quizzes for each week’s assignment. These videos are designed to help students master the textbook chapter content. After you have completed the required video, you must take the corresponding quiz and “Submit Answers for Grading” in order to receive grade. The quizzes are based on the video content. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE A QUIZ ONLY ONE TIME. MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO WATCH A VIDEO AND TAKE THE QUIZ IN ONE SITTING BEFORE YOU OPEN IT. Each video and quiz is worth 6 points. (20x6 = 120 points)
Group Learning Activities (GLA)
The class will be divided into groups for in-class group learning activities. GLAs are designed to foster cooperative learning among students. A student must be in class to participate and earn points for these activities. There will be 5 GLAs (Tentative). Each GLA is worth 5 points.
Reading To Understand (RA Strategies)
We will practice reading to understand strategies in class by reading aloud, thinking aloud, and talking to the text. This exercise is designed to help students understand the language of American government. A student must be in class to participate. We will set Norms and Reading Rules in class for this aspect of the lectures.
Essay Report
There is an essay report required in this course (described below). This report and all other written reports must be typed, double-space, with one inch margins, using 12 point font, and number the pages. Make sure your name is on the top left hand corner on the front page of your report.
Know Your Representatives Report (5-6 pages, not including bibliography page).
Submit the following essay report on your representatives. You must save your report as MS Word Document or PDF (.doc/.docx, or .pdf) and upload in MyLab using the Document Sharing menu (Upload Document). Use paragraphs to distinguish information on the different aspects of the report, as noted in the Report Outline below. The objective of this report is to help students understand the process a bill goes through to become a law (How a Bill Becomes a Law). This assignment is worth 100 points and is due by Friday, April 23, 2021.
To gain a general knowledge of Congress and how it works I strongly recommend that you read chapter 11 of your textbook before you start working on this report. Also, become familiar with the following website and surf it to know how and when your representatives work for you: www.house.gov/legislative/ (Congress) and www.ca.gov (California). Also read the article included at the end of this syllabus: “The U.S. Legislative Process: How Bills Become Laws”
Report Outline:
First Paragraph = Introduction – Give a brief description about yourself and your career goals including when you plan to transfer or graduate from Cerritos College.
Second Paragraph = Your Congressional Representative (in the U.S. House of Representatives)
i. Identify your current congressional district number and briefly discuss the demographics of the area (population and statistical data).
ii. Identify and briefly discuss your current congressional representative.
iii. Identify and briefly discuss your current representative’s party affiliation.
iv. Discuss when he/she was first elected to this office.
v. Discuss his/her interests and committees he/she serve on.
vi Briefly discuss a bill he/she sponsored or supported or opposed, purpose and what is the current status of the bill? Include bill number, title and year (e.g., H.R. 3053 – Nuclear Waste Policy Amendments Act of 2018).
vii. Discuss how the issue/bill reflects your values/interests. Discuss your opinion of the issue/bill and your representative’s stance/vote on the issue. Will you vote to re-elect your representative if elections were held today? Discuss why or why not.
Third Paragraph = Your representative in the California State Senate
i. Identify your current state senate district number and briefly discuss the demographics of the area (population and statistical data).
ii. Identify and briefly discuss your current state senator.
iii. Identify and briefly discuss your current state senator’s party affiliation.
iv. Discuss when he/she was first elected to this office.
v. Discuss his/her interests and committees he/she serve on.
vi. Briefly discuss a bill he/she sponsored or supported or opposed, purpose and what is the current status of the bill? Include bill number, title and year (e.g., SB 394 – Parole – Youth Offender Parole Hearings 2017-2018).
vii. Discuss how the issue/bill reflects your values/interests. Discuss your opinion of the issue/bill and your representative’s stance/vote on the issue/bill. Will you vote to re-elect your representative if elections were held today? Discuss why or why not.
Fourth Paragraph = Your representative in the California State Assembly
i. Identify your current state assembly district number and briefly discuss the demographics of the area (population and statistical data).
ii. Identify and briefly discuss your current state assembly member.
iii. Identify and briefly discuss your current state assembly member’s party affiliation.
iv. Discuss when he/she was first elected to this office.
v. Discuss his/her interests and committees he/she serve on.
vi. Briefly discuss a bill he/she sponsored or supported or opposed, purpose and what is the current status of the bill? Include bill number, title and year (e.g., AB 63 – Driver’s Licenses – Instruction Permits and Provisional Licenses 2017-2018).
vii. Discuss how the issue/bill reflects your values/interests. Discuss your opinion of the issue/bill and your representative’s stance/vote on the issue/bill. Will you vote to re-elect your representative if elections were held today? Discuss why or why not.
Fifth Paragraph = Provide ALL contact information for your representatives including e-mail, phone, fax, mailing address, social media (you must make all necessary efforts to find them).
Sixth Paragraph = Conclusion – Discuss the lessons you learned from doing this assignment that you will share with other people. Why and how will you share this experience?
Sources of your information (Bibliography)
Rubric For Know Your Representatives Report
REPORT
GRADE: 100 points
Submit Your Representatives Report in MyLab as MS Word Document or PDF (.doc/.docx
or .pdf) using the Document Sharing menu (Upload Document) by Friday, 4/23/21
MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS
Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty that is taken very seriously by the Cerritos College Faculty (Cerritos College 2020-2021 General Catalog, page 34). Any attempt at plagiarizing will result in an automatic grade of “F” in the assignment involved.
Attendance: It is the student's responsibility to participate fully in class once enrollment is complete. However, should it become necessary to withdraw from class, it is the student's responsibility to present a signed drop card to the Admissions and Records Office before the deadline to drop. THE ULTIMATE RESPONSIBILITY OF WITHDRAWAL FALLS TO THE STUDENT. (See Cerritos College 2020-2021 General Catalog, page 26).
Student Responsibility to Learn: I expect each student to take responsibility for their learning in this class. That means, you are first accountable to yourself and then to the instructor for your efforts in this class. Ask yourself, “Am I doing my very best to earn the grade I desire from this class?” I look forward to assisting you in your learning but you must be willing to seek assistance. REMEMBER, YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR LEARNING AND GRADE IN THIS CLASS!!
The Honesty Code: Be honest with yourself so you can find the courage to succeed…
Time Management: Students are encouraged to create a “To Do Journal” of their daily tasks. The purpose of this journal is to help students succeed by developing time management skills.
My 3 Rs:Reading; (W)riting; and Researching skills are 3 essential skills students must acquire in order to be successful as professionals.
Accessibility Related Accommodations: It is my priority to provide on a flexible and individualized basis, reasonable accommodations to students who have documented disability conditions. Please let me know immediately if you have an accessibility need for which special accommodations will be required, or call 562.860.2451 ext. 2335.
International Students: It is my priority to provide on a flexible and individualized basis, reasonable accommodations to international students who are not familiar with the American political system. Please let me know immediately if you need assistance.
Veterans: It is my priority to provide, on a flexible and individualized basis, reasonable accommodations to students who are veterans. If you are a veteran please let me know immediately if you need assistance. “Veterans you have served us. Now we are here to serve you.” Please visit the Veteran’s Resource Center at: www.cerritos.edu/va for available services designed specifically to help you succeed in college.
Classroom Decorum: Students are encouraged to actively participate in class discussions by asking or answering questions during lectures; however, disturbances will not be tolerated. Please practice the following Zoom Etiquette:
1. Show up/Join on time
2. Use your proper name to join
3. Be in proper/decent attire
4. Show your face/use video
5. Mute when you are not speaking
6. Don’t invite other people to class session
7. Don’t bring your pet(s), unless if it is a certified service pet
8. Avoid distractions- music, eating, drinking, phone, social media, side chat, Email
9. Endeavor to participate
10. Raise hand to comment, ask or answer questions
11. Master your technology
12. Do not take picture or record class session
13. Always have your textbook with you (eText or Hard copy)
Grades: Grades will not reflect a student’s political opinion in this course. However, I
care about how you arrive at your conclusions, how you support your conclusions, and
how well you understand other opinions.
Using the Syllabus: I reserve the right to make changes to this syllabus whenever it becomes necessary in order to foster students’ learning in this class.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
1. Grades will be based on the following: (Tentative)
Chapter Exams (12x25 points each) Tentative = 300 points
Your Representatives Report = 100 points
20 Videos & Quizzes (Tentative) (6x20 points each) = 120 points
5 Group Learning Activities (Tentative) (5 points each) = 25 points
Total = 545 points (Tentative)
2. Grading scale: (Tentative)
A = 90% - 100% = 490-545 points
B = 80% - 89% = 436-485 points
C = 70% - 79% = 381-430 points
D = 60% - 69% = 327-376 points
F = Below 60% = Less than 327 points
See page 25 of Cerritos College 2020-2021 General Catalog
_________________________________________________________________
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS
Lecture, Reading, and Examination Schedule (Tentative)
WEEKLY ONLINE HOMEWORK ARE DUE BY FRIDAY OF EACH WEEK UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. ALL HOMEWORK ARE IN MYLAB CALENDAR: (www.pearson.com/mylab)
Week One (1/11 & 1/13)
Buy your textbook, Register MyLab Access Code
To register Access Code go to: www.pearson.com/mylab Follow the instructions in the handout in this link: POL 101(20663) 9:30am MW - OBAZUAYE, S (mypearson.com)
- Course overview
- Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
- Practice Political Engagement!
Week Two (1/18 & 1/20) 1/18 = MLK jr. Birthday Holiday
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 1: Introducing Government in America
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 1
Objective: Our primary objective in this chapter and assignment is to identify the key functions of government and explain why they matter.
Video & Quiz: DO Chapter 1 Video: Watch "Direct vs. Representative Democracy" and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar); Video: Watch “Why Students Should Care About Government” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Three (1/25 & 1/27)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 2: The Constitution
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 2
Objective: Our primary objective in this chapter and assignment is to describe the ideas behind the American Revolution and their role in shaping the Constitution.
Submit Chapter 2 Exam (in MyLab Calendar)
Video & Quiz: Do Chapter 2 Video: Watch “How The Constitution Helps Us To Understand The Government” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Four (2/1 & 2/3)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 3: Federalism
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 3
Objective: Our main objective in this chapter and assignment is to define federalism and contrast it with alternative ways of organizing a nation.
Submit Chapter 3 Exam
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 3 Video: Watch “Federalism And American Democracy” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Five (2/8 & 2/10)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 4: Civil Liberties and Public Policy
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 4
Objective: In this chapter and assignment, our primary objective is to trace the process by which the Bill of Rights has been applied to the states.
Submit Chapter 4 Exam (in MyLab Calendar)
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 4 Video: Watch “Civil Liberties and The War On Terror” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Six (2/15 & 2/17) 2/15 = Presidents’ Day Holiday
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 5: Civil Rights and Public Policy
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 5
Objective: In this chapter and assignment, our primary objective is to understand the meaning of equality and the process by which it is applied to different groups in society.
Submit Chapter 5 Exam (in MyLab Calendar)
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 5 Video: Watch “Civil Rights and Discrimination” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Seven (2/22 & 2/24)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 6: Public Opinion & Political Action
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 6
Objective: Our primary objective in this chapter and assignment is to define public opinion and identify demographic trends and their likely impact on American politics.
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 6 Video: Watch “Public Opinion and Public Policy” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar); Video: Watch “Is Discrimination Ever Legal?” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Eight (3/1 & 3/3)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 7: The Mass Media and the Political Agenda
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 7
Objective: Our main objective in this chapter and assignment is to describe how American politicians choreograph their message through the mass media and how the media shape political agenda.
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 7 Video: Watch "The Role of social Media in a Democracy" and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar); Video: Watch “The Mass Media, Democracy and Public Opinion” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Nine (3/8 & 3/10)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning – STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 8: Political Parties
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 8
Objective: In this chapter and assignment, our primary objective is to identify the origin of political parties and the functions that political parties perform in American democracy.
Submit Chapter 8 Exam (in MyLab Calendar)
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 8 Video: Watch “Political Parties and American Government” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Ten (3/15 & 3/17) SPRING RECESS
Week Eleven (3/22 & 3/24)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 9: Campaigns and Voting Behavior
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 9
Objective: In this chapter and assignment, our primary objective is to evaluate the fairness of our current system of presidential primaries and caucuses and the critical role that money plays in presidential elections.
Submit Chapter 9 Exam (in MyLab Calendar)
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 9 Video: Watch “Campaigns and Voting” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Twelve (3/29 & 3/31)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 10: Interest Groups
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 10
Objective: Our primary objective in this chapter and assignment is to define interest groups and describe the role interest groups play in American politics.
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 10 Video: Watch “Interest Groups” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar); Video: Watch "Relationship Between the Three Branches of American Government" and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Thirteen (4/5 & 4/7)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 11: Congress
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 11
Objective: Our primary objective in this chapter and assignment is to describe the constitutional powers of congress, outline how bills become laws, and explain the influence of congressional decision making.
Submit Chapter 11 Exam (in MyLab Calendar)
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 11 Video: Watch “Congress” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Fourteen (4/12 & 4/14)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 12: The Presidency
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 12
Objective: In this chapter and assignment our primary objective is to evaluate the constitutional powers of the president, and identify the factors that affect the president’s ability to get things done according to public expectation.
Submit Chapter 12 Exam (in MyLab Calendar)
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 12 Video: Watch “The Presidency” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Fifteen (4/19 & 4/21)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 13: The Budget: The Politics of Taxing and Spending
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 13
Objective: Our main objective in this chapter and assignment is to describe the sources of funding for the federal government, outline the budgetary process and the role that politics play, and the consequences of deficit spending and borrowing.
Submit Chapter 13 Exam (in MyLab Calendar)
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 13 Video: Watch "Role of the President in Lawmaking" and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Sixteen (4/26 & 4/28)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 14: The Federal Bureaucracy
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 14
Objective: Our main objective in this chapter and assignment is to describe the federal bureaucracy, differentiate the four types of bureaucratic agencies, identify the means of controlling the bureaucracy and assess the role of the iron triangle.
Submit Chapter 14 Exam (in MyLab Calendar)
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 14 Video: Watch “Can Totally Free Speech Lead to Less Inclusive Discussion” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Seventeen (5/3 & 5/5)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 15: The Federal Courts
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 15
Objective: In this chapter and assignment our primary objective is to identify the constitutional powers of the Supreme Court, the basic elements of the American judicial system, and outline the structure of the federal court system and the major responsibilities of each component.
Submit Chapter 15 Exam (in MyLab Calendar)
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 15 Video: Watch “The Judicial System” and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Week Eighteen (5/10 & 5/12)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Lecture 16: National Security Policymaking
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 18
Submit Chapter 18 Exam (in MyLab Calendar)
Video & Quiz: DO CHAPTER 18 Video: Watch "The Constitutional Powers Granted to the Three Branches" and submit quiz (in MyLab Calendar)
Objective: Our main objective in this chapter and assignment is to identify the major instruments and actors in making national security policy, analyze the evolving challenges for U.S. national security policy, and assess the role of democratic politics in making national security policy.
Lecture 17: California State and Local government
Readings: See PowerPoints on Canvas “Files” Tab
Week Nineteen (5/17 & 5/19)
FINAL EXAM: There is no final exam in this class however, Week Eighteen assignments MUST be submitted NO LATER THAN Friday, May 14
Tips for Reading a Chapter
**** PowerPoints are available on Canvas “Files” Tab
1. Read introduction (beginning of chapter) and chapter review (end of chapter)
2. Identify 3 main ideas
3. Write down 12 vocabularies/key terms and their meanings
4. Pay attention to examples and case studies
5. Read the whole chapter
6. Do Homework
The U.S. Legislative Process: How Bills Become Laws
By Robert Longley
US Government Expert
As part of its legislative process, the United States Congress considers thousands of bills each session. Yet, only a small percentage of them will ever reach the top of the president's desk for final approval or veto. Along their way to the White House, bills traverse a maze of committees and subcommittees, debates, and amendments in both chambers of Congress.
The following is a simple explanation of the process required for a bill to become a law. For a complete explanation, see... "How Our Laws Are Made" (Library of Congress) Revised and Updated by Charles W. Johnson, Parliamentarian, United States House of Representatives.
Step 1: Introduction
Only a member of Congress (House or Senate) can introduce the bill for consideration.
The Representative or Senator who introduces the bill becomes its "sponsor." Other
legislators who support the bill or work on its preparation can ask to be listed as
"co-sponsors." Important bills usually have several co-sponsors.
Four basic types of legislation, all commonly referred to as "bills" or "measures" are considered by Congress: Bills, Simple Resolutions, Joint Resolutions, and Concurrent Resolutions.
A bill or resolution has officially been introduced when it has been assigned a number (H.R. # for House Bills or S. # for Senate Bills), and printed in the Congressional Record by the Government Printing Office.
Step 2: Committee Consideration
All bills and resolutions are "referred" to one or more House or Senate committees
according their specific rules.
Step 3: Committee Action
The committee considers the bill in detail. For example, the powerful House Ways and
Means Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee will consider a bill's potential
impact on the Federal Budget.
If the committee approves the bill, it moves on in the legislative process. Committees reject bills by simply not acting on them. Bills that fail to get committee action are said to have "died in committee," as many do.
Step 4: Subcommittee Review
The committee sends some bills to a subcommittee for further study and public hearings.
Just about anyone can present testimony at these hearings. Government officials, industry
experts, the public, anyone with an interest in the bill can give testimony either
in person or in writing. Notice of these hearings, as well as instructions for presenting
testimony is officially published in the Federal Register.
Step 5: Mark Up
If the subcommittee decides to report (recommend) a bill back to the full committee
for approval, they may first make changes and amendments to it. This process is called
"Mark Up." If the subcommittee votes not to report a bill to the full committee, the
bill dies right there.
Step 6: Committee Action -- Reporting a Bill
The full committee now reviews the deliberations and recommendations of the subcommittee.
The committee may now conduct further review, hold more public hearings, or simply
vote on the report from the subcommittee. If the bill is to go forward, the full committee
prepares and votes on its final recommendations to the House or Senate. Once a bill
has successfully passed this stage it is said to have been "ordered reported" or simply
"reported."
Step 7: Publication of Committee Report
Once a bill has been reported (See Step 6:) a report about the bill is written and
published. The report will include the purpose of the bill, its impact on existing
laws, budgetary considerations, and any new taxes or tax increases that will be required
by the bill. The report also typically contains transcripts from public hearings on
the bill, as well as the opinions of the committee for and against the proposed bill.
Step 8: Floor Action -- Legislative Calendar
The bill will now be placed on the legislative calendar of the House or Senate and
scheduled (in chronological order) for "floor action" or debate before the full membership.
The House has several legislative calendars. The Speaker of the House and House Majority
Leader decide the order in which reported bills will be debated. The Senate, having
only 100 members and considering fewer bills, has only one legislative calendar.
Step 9: Debate
Debate for and against the bill proceeds before the full House and Senate according
to strict rules of consideration and debate.
Step 10: Voting
Once debate has ended and any amendments to the bill have been approved, the full
membership will vote for or against the bill. Methods of voting allow for a voice
vote or a roll-call vote.
Step 11: Bill Referred to Other Chamber
Bills approved by one chamber of Congress (House or Senate) are now sent to the other
chamber where they will follow pretty much the same track of committee to debate to
vote. The other chamber may approve, reject, ignore, or amend the bill.
Step12: Conference Committee
If the second chamber to consider a bill changes it significantly, a "conference committee"
made up of members of both chambers will be formed. The conference committee works
to reconcile differences between the Senate and House versions of the bill. If the
committee cannot agree, the bill simply dies. If the committee does agree on a compromise
version of the bill, they prepare a report detailing the changes they have proposed.
Both the House and Senate must approve the report of the conference committee or the
bill will be sent back to them for further work.
Step 13: Final Action - Enrollment
Once both the House and Senate have approved the bill in identical form, it becomes
"Enrolled" and sent to the President of the United States. The President may sign
the bill into law. The President can also take no action on the bill for ten days
while Congress is in session and the bill will automatically become law. If the President
is opposed to the bill, he can "veto" it. If he takes no action on the bill for ten
days after Congress has adjourned their second session, the bill dies. This action
is called a "pocket veto."
Step 14: Overriding the Veto
Congress can attempt to "override" a presidential veto of a bill and force it into
law, but doing so requires a 2/3 vote by a quorum of members in both the House and
Senate.
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