United States Government: Democracy in Action

"Influencing Congress"

Introduction
In this chapter you have learned about the process by which a bill becomes a law, the power of Congress to raise and spend money, and how members of Congress help voters in their states or districts. You also learned about the many factors that influence lawmakers—political parties, the president, interest groups and, perhaps most importantly, the individual voter. In this activity you will learn more about the legislative process of the House of Representatives.

Destination Title: United States House of Representatives: Tying it All Together

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Directions
Start at the United States House of Representatives Web site.

• Read about the process of how a bill becomes a law in the article "Tying It All Together". Take notes as you read.

After you have read through the information, answer the following questions.

1			Provide four examples of how the work of Congress is initiated or proposed.
2			What member of the House refers bills to the appropriate committee?
3			How are differences in the House and Senate versions of a bill resolved?
4			What options does the president have with a measure once it is "enrolled" by Congress?
5			Go back to the United States House of Representatives and click Write Your Representative. Find out who represents you in Congress by clicking on your state and submitting your zip code. Think about an issue that is important to you or your community or research to find out about a bill that is currently under consideration. Write a letter to your member of Congress expressing your opinions on the issue.