The document provides an overview of the legislative process for creating laws in the United States Congress. It describes the 6 main steps: (1) a bill is introduced, (2) referred to committee for review, (3) debated on the House or Senate floor, (4) sent to a conference committee if amended differently, (5) sent to the President to be signed or vetoed, (6) becomes law if signed or veto is overridden. It also outlines the roles of the House, Senate and President in considering and passing bills into law.

1. How Our Laws Are MadeJanuary 18th, 2010Presented by: Tim Deacon

2. The U.S. Congress2The Congress of the United States of AmericaOne of the most practical safeguards of the American democratic way of life is this legislative process with its emphasis on the protection of the minority, allowing ample opportunity to all sides to be heard and make their views known. The fact that a proposal cannot become a law without consideration and approval by both Houses of Congress is an outstanding virtue of our bicameral legislative system. The open and full discussion provided under the Constitution often results in the notable improvement of a bill by amendment before it becomes law or in the eventual defeat of an inadvisable proposal.

3. The U.S. Congress3The House of Representatives:Designed to be closer to people .

4. Elected by the people

5. 435 members (since 1911)

6. Must be 25 years old, citizen for 7 years, resident in state (when elected)

7. Smaller districts

8. State populations during census determines number from each state

9. 2 year term

10. Entire body elected every 2 years .

11. Revenue bills must originate in the houseThe Senate:Designed to be removed from the people

12. Originally elected by state legislatures

13. 100 members

14. Must be 30 years old, citizen for 9 years, resident of state (when elected)

15. Elected on an at large basis

16. There are two Senators from each state

17. 6 year term