Detective Booksy's Guide to Researching How a Bill Becomes a Law
Have you ever wondered how a new law is created? In this guide, we’ll take you step-by-step through the process of how a bill becomes a law, from the moment someone comes up with an idea to when it’s finally approved and enforced.
Step 1: Ask Great Questions
Before diving into the process, ask these key questions:
What is a bill, and why do we need them?
How does a bill turn into a law?
Who decides if a bill becomes a law?
How long does it take for a bill to become a law?
Can citizens help influence whether a bill becomes a law?
These questions will guide your research on how laws are made.
Step 2: Choose Reliable Sources
Here are some excellent, kid-friendly resources to help with your research:
Books:
"How a Bill Becomes a Law" by Kathleen Krull – This book explains the legislative process in a fun and engaging way.
"From Bill to Law" by Susan M. Gray – A step-by-step guide to understanding the process.
Websites:
Congress for Kids – How a Bill Becomes a Law – This site provides a simple, easy-to-understand explanation of the legislative process.
GovTrack – How Laws Are Made – Learn about the journey of a bill through the U.S. government system.
Other Sources:
Library Resources – Ask for books that explain the steps of lawmaking, or look for videos and online articles that show the process.
Step 3: Take Notes
As you read and watch videos, take notes on the key steps involved in creating a law:
Summarize important facts in your own words.
Use bullet points to organize your notes:
What is a bill? A bill is a proposed new law that someone wants the government to consider.
How a bill becomes a law:
A bill is introduced in Congress.
The bill is reviewed by committees who make suggestions.
The bill is debated and voted on by Congress.
If Congress approves, the president signs it into law.
The law is enforced.
Step 4: Organize Your Information
To make sense of the process, organize your notes into clear steps:
Step 1: Introduction of the Bill – Explain how the bill is introduced in Congress and who introduces it.
Step 2: Review and Debate – Describe how the bill is reviewed, discussed, and debated by Congress.
Step 3: Voting – Explain how members of Congress vote on the bill.
Step 4: Presidential Approval – Describe how the president can approve or veto the bill.
Step 5: The New Law – Explain what happens once the president signs the bill into law.
Step 5: Cite Your Sources
Give credit to the sources you used in your research:
Book: Krull, Kathleen. How a Bill Becomes a Law. HarperCollins, 2015.
Website: "How a Bill Becomes a Law." Congress for Kids, www.congressforkids.net/how_a_bill_becomes_a_law. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
Article: "How Laws Are Made." GovTrack, www.govtrack.us/howlawsaremade. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.
Step 6: Put It All Together!
Now, write your report about how a bill becomes a law:
Introduction: Introduce the topic and explain why understanding the lawmaking process is important.
Body: Describe the steps a bill goes through to become a law and explain each one in detail.
Conclusion: Summarize the process and discuss how laws impact our daily lives once they are passed.
Fun Fact: Did You Know?
Did you know that if the president doesn’t like a bill, they can send it back to Congress with suggestions or a veto? Congress can still make the bill a law if enough members agree to override the veto!
Conclusion
Great job, Detective! 🏅 You’ve learned how bills become laws and why the process is so important for making sure everyone is treated fairly. Keep researching, and who knows—you might even come up with an idea for the next great law!
