POL 101: American Political Institutions
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.
IN EVERY CLASS SESSION BE PREPARED TO LEARN, RETAIN, AND SHARE (LRS).
TO GET STARTED
FIRST READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS:
Beginning Monday, August 19, login to www.cerritos.mylabsplus.com Use your student ID as username and your date of birth as password (same username and password you use for Canvas). Click on the “MyLabsPlus Tutorial” tab menu on the left side of screen under Course Home when you first login to www.cerritos.mylabsplus.com. Read the MyLabsPlus Tutorial under Course Home. After you complete reading the tutorial, click on the “Communication Tools” tab on the left side of the screen under Course Home; click on “Discussion,” take the quiz and save it as a Word Document/MS Word (.doc or .docx). After you have taken the quiz, click on “Main Menu” tab on the top left side of screen to go back to the course menu. NOTE: You must first register your Access Code before the system will allow you to submit your quiz. To submit your quiz, click on “Assignments & Quizzes”, click on “Assignments” on the top tool bar, click on “Course Calendar,” you will see the Course Calendar, click on the due date with clock icon on the Course Calendar, click on MLP Tutorial Quiz and follow the on-screen instruction to submit your quiz. Submit your quiz answers as MS Word Document (.doc/.docx) attachment in the MyLabsPlus Tutorial basket. You must submit your quiz no later than Friday, August 30 to earn the 10 points extra credit.
INSTRUCTOR: DR.SUNDAY P. OBAZUAYE
OFFICE: Social Science Building Room 217 (SS-217)
PHONE: (562)860-2451 ext.2754
E-MAIL: sobazuaye@cerritos.edu
OFFICE HOURS: MTW 12:30-1:30pm; and also by appointment
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course will fundamentally facilitate an understanding of democratic ideals and American politics. Emphasis will be placed on the decision making 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:
- Students will be able to distinguish between the different branches of government
- 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
- Students will be able to describe the process by which policies are established
- Students will be able to recognize the rights and responsibilities of citizens in our democracy
COURSE MATERIALS
A. The following book is required for this course, and is available ONLY in the
Cerritos College Bookstore and Textbooks Inc. (across the street from campus)
Edwards, et al Government in America: People, Politics and Policy. Fifth Custom Edition for Cerritos College and MPSL PKG 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.cerritos.mylabsplus.com
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: CNN, ABC News, Associated Press; National Public Radio, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, etc. (Newspapers are available in the library and on the internet).
For Technical Assistance with MyPolisciLab Access Code and online materials go to: http://247.pearsoned.com
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. Each chapter consists of reading materials, online materials and multimedia activities. Once you have purchased the required text and corresponding MylabsPlus 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 “File” Tab.
Examinations
- There will be three in-class exams during the course of the semester. The exams will be a combination of Multiple Choice and True or False questions. Each exam is worth 50 points (tentative).
- The final exam is not comprehensive (chapters 13,14,15,18 & lectures and California lecture). It is worth 50 points (tentative).
- There are no make-up or retake of examinations, so do not ask for one. If you are absent on the day an exam is taken, it is your responsibility to make arrangement with the professor to take your exam on a different day.
Media Activities & Quizzes
You will be required to complete two media activities per assigned chapter. Read the syllabus carefully for media activities and accompanying quizzes for each week’s home work. These activities are designed to help students master the chapter content. After you have completed the required activity, you must take the corresponding quiz and “Submit Answers for Grading” in order to receive grade. The quizzes are open-book. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO TAKE A QUIZ ONLY ONE TIME. MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO DO A MEDIA ACTIVITY AND TAKE THE QUIZ IN ONE SITTING BEFORE YOU OPEN IT. Each media activity and quiz is worth 5 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 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, number the pages, and staple your report. Make sure your name is on the top left hand corner on the front page of your report.
Know Your Representative Report
(4-5 pages, not including bibliography page). Submit the following essay report in class. Use paragraphs to distinguish information
on the different aspects of the report, as noted in the Report Outline below. This assignment is worth 100 points and is due in class by Wednesday, 11/27/19.
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 representative 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”
NOTE: If you need assistance to improve your writing skills, you may attend any one of the Writing Workshops offered at the Cerritos College Student Success Center. (Success Center)
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 and briefly discuss your current congressional district
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 his office
v. Discuss your representative's interests and the committees he/she serves on.
vi. Briefly discuss a bill he/she sponsored or supported or opposed 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 representatives in the California State Legislature
i. Identify and briefly discuss your current state senate district.
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 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 representatives in the California State Assembly
i. Identify and briefly discuss your current state assembly district.
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 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 representative including, but not limited to 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
MISCELLANEOUS COMMENTS
Plagiarism is a form of academic dishonesty that is taken very seriously by the Cerritos College Faculty (Cerritos College General Catalog, page 33). 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 Fall 2019 Schedule of Classes Page 21 for withdrawal information).
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 assignment is to help students succeed by developing time management skills. A student must be in class to participate and submit the “To Do Journal” at the end of the semester to earn 5 points extra credit. Due in class Wed 12/11/19.
My 3 Rs: Reading; (W)riting; and Researching skills are 3 essential skills students must acquire in order to be successful as professionals.
Disabilities 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 or come to office hour if you have a disability for which special accommodations will be required.
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 or come to office hour if you are an international student in this situation.
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 see me immediately after the orientation. “Veterans you have served us. Now we are here to serve you.” Please visit the Veteran’s Resource Center at: www.cerritos.edu/va or go to VRC Building (Veteran’s Resource Center Building located near the Student Center and Bookstore) 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. This includes private conversations and/or eating during class. I will enforce this rule for the benefit of all who are willing, committed, and determined to excel in this course.
There will be no eating, drinking, or chewing of gum allowed in this classroom.
Students are advised to turn off cell phones, pagers, and all other electronic devices EXCEPT FOR eText only. No Picture Taking in the class.
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)
3 In-Class Exams (50 points each) = 150 points
Final Exam (Tentative) = 50 points
Task 2 (Your Representatives Report) = 100 points
30 Multimedia Activities (Tentative) (5 points each) = 150 points
5 Group Learning Activities (Tentative) (5 points each) = 25 points
Total = 475 points (Tentative)
2. Grading scale: (Tentative)
A = 90% - 100% = 427-475 points
B = 80% - 89% = 380-422 points
C = 70% - 79% = 332-375 points
D = 60% - 69% = 285-327 points
F = Below 60% = Less than 285 points
See page 24 of Cerritos College 2018-2019 General Catalog
_________________________________________________________________
Lecture, Reading, and Examination Schedule (Tentative)
WEEKLY ONLINE HOMEWORK ARE DUE BY FRIDAY OF EACH WEEK UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED
Week One (8/19-8/21)
Buy your textbook, Register MyLabsPlus Access Code
To register Access Code login to: www.cerritos.mylabsplus.com
Username = Your Student Id (same as you use for Talonnet)
Password = Your Birthday (same as you use for Talonnet)
- Course overview
- Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
- Practice Political Engagement!
Week Two (8/26-8/28)
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.
Media Activity:DO Chapter 1 Simulation: "You Are a Candidate for Congress" and submit quiz; Video: Watch “Why Students Should Care About Government” and submit quiz
MyLabsPlus Tutorial Quiz due by 8/30/19
Week Three (9/2-9/4) 9/2 = LABOR DAY
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.
Media Activity: Do Chapter 2 Simulation: “You are a Founder” and submit the quiz; Video: Watch “How The Constitution Helps Us To Understand The Government” and submit quiz
Week Four (9/9-9/11)
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.
Media Activity:DO CHAPTER 3 Simulation: “You are a federal judge” and submit quiz; Video: Watch “Federalism And American Democracy” and submit quiz
Week Five (9/16-9/18)
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.
Media Activity:DO CHAPTER 4 Simulation: "You Are a Police Officer" and submit quiz; Video: Watch “Civil Liberties And The War On Terror” and submit quiz
Week Six (9/23-9/25)
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.
Media Activity:DO CHAPTER 5 Simulation: "You Are the Mayor and Need to Make a Civil Rights Decision" and submit quiz; Video: “Civil Rights And Discrimination” and submit quiz
Week Seven (9/30-10/2)
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.
Media Activity:DO CHAPTER 6 Simulation: “You Are a Polling Consultant” and submit quiz; Video: Watch “Public Opinion And Public Policy” and submit quiz
Week Eight (10/7-10/9)
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.
Media Activity: DO CHAPTER 7 Simulation: "You are The News Editor" and submit quiz; Video: Watch “The Mass Media, Democracy And Public Opinion ” and submit quiz
Week Nine (10/14-10/16)
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.
Media Activity:DO CHAPTER 8 Simulation: "You Are a Voter" and submit quiz; Video: Watch “Political Parties And American Government” and submit quiz
Week Ten (10/21-10/23)
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.
Media Activity:DO CHAPTER 9 Simulation: “You Are a Voting Registration Volunteer” and submit quiz; Video: Watch “Identity Politics Play a Role in US Elections” and submit quiz
Week Eleven (10/28-10/30)
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.
Media Activity:DO CHAPTER 10 Simulation: "You Are a Lobbyist" and submit quiz; Video: Watch “Interest Groups” and submit quiz
Week Twelve (11/4-11/6)
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.
Media Activity:DO CHAPTER 11 Simulation: "You Are a Consumer Advocate" and submit quiz; Video: Watch “Congress” and submit quiz
Week Thirteen (11/11-11/13) 11/11 = Veteran’s Day Holiday
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.
Media Activity:DO CHAPTER 12 Simulation: “You Are a First-Term President” and submit quiz; Video: Watch “The Presidency” and submit quiz
Week Fourteen (11/18-11/20)
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.
Media Activity:DO CHAPTER 13 Simulation: "You Are the President During a Budget Crisis” and submit quiz; Comparative: “Comparing Social Welfare Systems” and submit quiz
Week Fifteen (11/25-11/27)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Submit Task 2 in Class Wed, 11/27/19 (Your Representative Report)
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.
Media Activity: DO CHAPTER 14 Simulation: “You Are the Head of FEMA” and submit quiz; Video: Watch “Agency Announces Plan to Reduce Salt in Processed Food” and submit quiz
Week Sixteen (12/2-12/4)
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.
Media Activity: DO CHAPTER 15 Simulation: “You Are a Supreme Court Clerk” and submit quiz; Video: “The Judicial System” and submit quiz
Week Seventeen (12/9-12/11)
Practice the Mindset to Learn (Mindfulness/Consciously Learning - STOBRELL)
Practice Political Engagement!
Submit “To Do Journal” in class on Wed, 12/11/19
Lecture 16: National Security Policymaking
Readings: Edwards et al, Chapter 18
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 "File" tab
Week Eighteen (12/16-12/18)
FINAL EXAMS: (Chapters 13,14,15,18 and lectures & California Lecture)
M/W 9:30am = Wed 12/18/19 @ 10:00am – 12:00pm
M/W 11:00pm = Mon 12/16/19 @ 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Tips for Reading a Chapter
**** PowerPoints are available on Canvas "Files" tab
- Read introduction (beginning of chapter) and chapter review (end of chapter)
- Identify 3 main ideas
- Write down 12 vocabularies/key terms and their meanings
- Pay attention to examples and case studies
- Read the whole chapter
- Do Practice Tests / “Test Yourself” at the end of the chapter
- Do Homework
The U.S. Legislative Process: How Bills Become Laws
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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