The American Lawmaking System

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The American Lawmaking System
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Types of Governments
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Lawmaking Responsibilities

• Federal The Federal government is responsible
  for laws that impact the country as a whole, and
  promote equality among the states (Ex Public
  education requirements, federal income taxes,
  immigration policies)
• State State governments are granted all powers
  not specifically given to the federal government
  in the Constitution, including the right to
  determine most criminal laws (Ex Drinking age,
  Punishments for crimes, sales tax)
• Local Local governments are responsible for all
  laws that directly impact the day-to-day
  functioning of that community or town (Ex Speed
  limits, parking laws, school budgets, noise
  ordinances)

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How a Law is Made
1) Idea/Bill introduced to House or Senate
2) Committee Hearings- Small groups revise bill
If passed, it goes to other house
3) Floor Action- Entire group debates bill
votes
4) Committee Hearings
If passed with changes
5) Floor Action
6) Returned to Original house
If passed without changes
If vetoed
If original house agrees with changes
Bill becomes Law
Judicial Branch may rule unconstitutional If so
Bill goes to Executive Branch (President,
Governor, Mayor)
If signed
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Questions to answer

• What potential problems might this system have?
• How are the people (citizens) a part of this
  system?
• What checks and balances are in place to keep the
  legislature in line?