The Dirksen Congressional Center
Dirksen Center: A Bill Becomes a Law
Learning module on how a bill becomes a law offers students an alternative and in-depth approach to learning about the legislative process through text, graphics, and video .
US House of Representatives
U.s. Capitol: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Learn about the legislative process in the United States through this interactive tutorial, which demonstrates to students how a bill becomes a law.
US House of Representatives
Kids in the House: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Interactive website in which students build a bill and journey through the process of how a bill becomes law. With links to significant material, glossary, and resources for teachers.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress Link: Lesson Plans
The Dirksen Congressional Center provides abundant lesson plans on all aspects of the US Congress and the US Constitution. All lessons contain time frames, objectives, and links to material, and are built around Bloom's taxonomy.
CPALMS
Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: How Are Laws Made?
A tutorial that explains the process that must be followed in order for a new law to be made. A PDF file of the tutorial is available.
Library of Congress
Loc: congress.gov: The Legislative Process: Senate Floor
Watch this video on the unique rules and procedures governing floor debate and amending in the Senate. A transcript is provided, along with a chart of the legislative process. [4:18]
Other
Project Vote Smart: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Project Vote Smart provides a detailed guide to the process of making a bill become a law. Content also includes links for more explanation on certain topics.
US National Archives
National Archives: The Legislative Process
Learners will follow the legislative process for how a bill becomes a law by analyzing primary source documents. Included are worksheets that include a chart to be filled out in small groups, worksheets, materials, and an answer key....
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Learning Adventures: How Laws Are Made: The Language of the Law
Learning Adventures from Bensguide summarizes the process of lawmaking outlined in the U.S. Constitution and provides links to a glossary of legislative terms and Congressional Resolution from 2003.
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: Learning Adventures: Tracking a Bill From Beginning to End
Learning Adventures guide on how a bill becomes a law summarizes the legislative process and makes it understandable for students of all ages. With links to U.S. Government publications.
Other
State of Michigan: How a Bill Becomes a Law [Pdf]
Learn the steps involved in making a new law. The document explains how bills become laws in the state of Michigan, but the process is the same as it is for other states as well.
US House of Representatives
Office of the Clerk: Lesson Plan "A Bill Becomes a Law"
This lesson introduces learners to the legislative process and current bills before the House of Representatives. Discussion questions, critical thinking questions, and learning activities are provided. [PDF]
US Government Publishing Office
Ben's Guide to u.s. Government: How Laws Are Implemented
Students can visualize how a bill becomes a law with this infographic that breaks the process down into 7 steps with pictures and explanations. [PDF]
US House of Representatives
Office of the Clerk: Kids in the House: How Does a Bill Become a Law?
Short explanation of how laws are passed. Includes several coloring sheets and a maze puzzle.
US National Archives
Docsteach: The Legislative Process: Congress at Work
Students will analyze historical records of the House and Senate to understand the sequence of steps in the legislative process. The students will work collaboratively to study documents and identify the step in the process that each...
Other
Mine Safety and Health Administration: How a Bill Becomes a Law
This website provides a very simple walk-through of how a bill becomes a law, with minimal explanation.
iCivics
I Civics: Three Branches: Laws in Action
Embark on his WebQuest to follow the path an idea takes to eventually become a law. Read a short description regarding the role of each branch of government and then answer a follow-up question using the link provided.
CommonLit
Common Lit: Text Sets: Modern Democracy in America
This is a collection of 19 Grade-Leveled texts (6-12) on the topic Modern Democracy in America. How does democracy function in modern-day America? Learn how a bill becomes a law, the role of American presidents, and much more in this...
PBS
Pbs: Passing a Bill Through Congress
Student handout provides the steps for how to pass a bill through Congress.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: It's in the Hopper!
A Congressional simulation in which students research a topic of interest, write a bill, and submit the bill for consideration by a Congressional committee of their peers. This lesson teaches in a real way the legislative process and...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: "I'm Just a Bill"
Students will examine current and recently introduced Congressional legislation using the Thomas search engine. After reading legislation, students will write and post their proposed legislation for peer editing and comment. This lesson...
Social Studies for Kids
Social Studies for Kids: How a Bill Becomes a Law
Follow a bill, from its introduction to Congress to its signing by the President. Find out about all the steps in between, including the presidential veto and the Congressional override.
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Laws
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart introduces conflict resolution & how a bill becomes a law.
Other
Schoolhouse Rock: I'm Just a Bill
This site from Schoolhouse Rock provides the lyrics to a song from History Rock. Follow the trek of this little bill, all the way to becoming a full-fledged law. This comes from the popular 1970s cartoon series, Schoolhouse Rock.