"I'm just a bill, I'm only a bill, and I'm sitting here on Capitol Hill." - Schoolhouse Rock. Scholars analyze how a bill becomes a law in the United States government and political arena. They view a short video clip, the ninth lesson of a 50-part unit, and research what it takes for a bill to pass through both houses of Congress to get to the president's desk. The clip encourages open thought and discussion on the difficult path a bill must take before it becomes law. 

Concepts

the united states government, the house of representatives, the united states senate

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Split the classroom into the House and Senate and pass a bill into law regarding a current school issue (dress code, etc.) 
• Extend the lesson by showing the Schoolhouse Rock video I'm Just A Bill

Classroom Considerations

• Make sure students have Internet access if viewing independently
  

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Lesson includes the Thought Bubble, which animates the concept for visual learners
• Resource provides direct primary source examples for further investigation and research 

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.3 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.3