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]
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....
PBS
Structure of Congress and the Legislative Process Lesson
This lesson explores the structure of Congress and the legislative process. There is an introduction, a research activity, an assessment, and a role play activity.
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
U.s. House of Representatives: The Legislative Process
Learn about the House of Representatives and how it carries out its responsibilities and duties according to the U.S. Constitution.
iCivics
I Civics: Legislative Branch
Students will learn about the structure, function, and powers of the legislative branch of government. They will explore the legislative process, as well as the influence of citizens and political parties. Register for a free account to...
Library of Congress
Loc: Enactment of a Law
This site explains the legislative process of how a law becomes enacted, step by step.
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.
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 .
Internal Revenue Service
Irs: How Taxes Evolve? Lesson Plan
This lesson plan will help students understand that the legislative process of enacting federal income tax laws involves formal procedures based on the Constitution and informal procedures that blend and balance various interests.
The Dirksen Congressional Center
Congress for Kids: Legislative Branch, the Senate
Activities that students can use to understand the job of the US Senate, and become more engaged in the legislative process.
Library of Congress
Loc: Enactment of a Law
This site is a description of the legislative process of the enactment of a law. It begins with the various origins, steps, procedures and schedules in the making of a law. It contains a description of terms.
Library of Congress
Loc: How Our Laws Are Made
This page provides links to every step in the legislative process, from sources of legislation through publication.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: Little Legislatures
This site from the University of Groningen clearly defines the role of committees in the legislative process, as well as a brief historical perspective on congressional committees. Essays, text and biography links related to American...
US House of Representatives
Office of the Clerk: Lesson Plan "A Bill Becomes a Law"
This lesson introduces middle schoolers 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: 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.
Alabama Learning Exchange
Alex: It's in the Hopper!
A Congressional simulation in which middle schoolers research a topic of interest, write a bill, and submit the bill for consideration by a Congressional committee of their peers. This instructional activity teaches in a real way the...
US House of Representatives
Office of the Clerk: u.s. House of Representatives: Kids in the House
At this site, you can explore the role the Office of the Clerk plays in the United States House of Representatives. Learn about the legislative process and its effect on you.
US House of Representatives
History, Art, and Archives: Oral History of the House of Representatives
Through interviews with House officers, aides, committee staff, former Representatives, and others, a rich heritage has been preserved. Audio, video, and transcripts provide a look into legislative processes and procedures, personal and...
Other
Committee on Rules u.s. House of Representatives
This resource describes the Committee on Rules as an arm of the leadership of both parties, the committee is at the center of both political and legislative battles. The role of this committee has changed over time.
iCivics
I Civics: Executive Roles: Money Doesn't Grow on Trees?
Students learn the role of the executive branch in creating and carrying out laws and how the executive and legislative branches work together to create a new coin.
Indiana University
Center on Congress: Learn About Congress
Learn about the role of the US Congress, how it works, its history, and the principles behind its creation and operation. Wonderful set of resources including FAQs, short articles and video clips, "interactive learning modules" (i.e., a...
Library of Congress
Loc: congress.gov: Contrasting Procedures of the Senate and House
Clearly contrasts the two houses in the US Legislative Branch. It details the commonalities in the making of a law.
The White House
The White House: The Legislative Branch
A brief summary of the the Legislative Branch of government and guidelines for membership. The powers of Congress, the legislative process, and even the oversights made by government, to prevent abuse of power, are discussed.