Understanding How Laws Are Made

Understanding the legislative process can be essential for young activists to make effective changes. If you have knowledge of the legislative process, you can help influence policy decisions and advocate effectively for whatever you are passionate about. Want to know more about how ideas are transformed into laws and how you can engage in this process? Read more below.

From Idea to Law: A step-by-step breakdown

1. Idea Formation: Every law starts as just an idea. This can come from anyone (lawmakers, advocacy groups, and even citizens).
2. Bill Drafting: When an idea gains popularity, a member of Congress can sponsor it by drafting it into a bill. 
3. Introduction and Committee Review: After the bull is drafted, it is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. Then, it is assigned to a committee for a detailed examination. During Committee Review, the bill is analyzed by experts on the subject. The committee will hold hearings regarding the bill and may propose amendments to the bill.
4. Debate and Voting: If the committee approves the bill, it will move to the chamber floor for debate. Congress members can discuss its merits and pitfalls before voting. If the bill is passed in the chamber it is introduced, it is sent to the other chamber for a similar review process. 
5. Reconciliation: The second chamber has the power to make changes to the bill. If the originating chamber disagrees with those changes, both chambers must agree on the final bill.
6. Presidential Action: When the bill is passed by both chambers, it is sent to the president. The president can sign the bill into law or veto it. If the president decides to veto the law, Congress can override that with a two-thirds majority. 
7. Implementation: When a bill becomes law, government agencies relevant to the bill must implement and enforce the law. 

For a quick and catchy explanation of how a bill becomes law, watch my favorite Schoolhouse Rock video here!

How Can You Influence the Lawmaking Process?

There are several ways that young people can impact the legislative process. One of the best things you can do is raise awareness about topics that matter to you. Educating your peers and community through social media or open discussions can help inform others who may want to support your mission and advocate for change.

Another thing you can do is to contact your lawmakers. Writing emails, making phone calls, and meeting with your representatives can help you directly express your views to the people in charge. Sharing personal stories or well researched arguments can help to influence your lawmaker’s position on the issues that you care about. If you can attend legislative hearings and offer testimony, these insights can go even further to help shape policy decisions.

Find your elected officials here.

Having knowledge of the legislative process can help you to navigate and influence these complicated government systems. Figure out what matters to you, and your efforts can help change the world!