| Cases and Resources
Chapter 2: Lawmaking
Legislatures
Drafting a Bill
Agencies
Courts
International Lawmaking
Legislatures
The
Senate and the House
of Representatives
The federal legislature, the branch of the federal government
that makes and passes laws, is divided into two groups. Read
about the Senate and the House of Representatives and find
out what issues are currently being debated.
How
Congress Passes Laws
Visit this site to explore an in-depth explanation of the
steps involved when Congress passes new laws. You may choose
to read a brief
description of the process instead.
State
Legislatures
Read about the legislature in your state and find out who
represents you and what legislation they are working on right
now.
THOMAS—U.S.
Congress on the Internet
This Web site, named for Thomas Jefferson, allows you to search
and read about congressional bills and other legislative information.
The government also provides information about the legislative
committees and individuals we elect to make laws. Read about
these specialized
groups in Congress.
C-SPAN
This site is maintained by the cable television channel that
focuses on governmental meetings and events. You can read
about elected officials, legislation and debates over issues,
or search other media resources.
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Drafting a Bill
How
an Idea Becomes a Law
There is a special process to follow before an idea can become
a law. Writing a bill, or a proposed law, tells people what
the law means. Writing a bill can be the most important part
of the lawmaking process. Writing
a Bill
Do you have a great idea for a new law? Go through the steps
of writing a bill of your own to get a better understanding
of what is involved in this legislative process.
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Agencies
Federal
Agencies and State
Agencies
There are numerous agencies within the federal and the state
governments that are formed to concentrate on specific areas
of legislation. Read about the different types of agencies
that exist.
The
Department of Homeland Security
In 2001 the Bush administration created a new agency, the
Department of Homeland Security. Why was this agency created,
and what are its responsibilities in our government? Learn
more about current Secretary Tom Ridge.
Federal
Register
The Federal Register provides the latest information about
federal agencies. This site lists U.S. federal agency announcements
and information such as presidential documents, agency meetings,
grant opportunities, and proposed federal regulations.
Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
The OSHA is a large federal agency in the Department of Labor
that focuses on creating a safe working environment and monitoring
working conditions. This agency is responsible for creating
and enforcing standards of safety in the workplace. Learn
more about this agency and read some of its success stories.
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Courts
Federal
Courts
Read about the judicial branch of the federal government. What
types of cases do federal courts decide? Federal
Judicial Center
Take a closer look at the history of the federal court system
and read about some of the most significant cases that have
been decided.
State
Courts
How are state courts distinct from federal courts? Use this
site to link to state court information in your state.
United
States Supreme Court
This Web site of the U.S. Supreme Court contains information
on current and past dockets, current and historic decisions,
the courthouse, and the biographies of the justices.
Supreme
Court Historical Society
The Supreme Court Historical Society is focused on documenting
and preserving the history of the U.S. Supreme Court. This
site features information on the evolution of women’s
rights as well as a documentary on FDR and the 1937 court-packing
controversy.
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International
Lawmaking
The
American Society of International Law
The ASIL is a resource for information concerning American public
policy and affairs and how national actions relate to international
law. This site contains explanations and a forum for debate
on international law issues.
European
Union
The EU site is a comprehensive place to learn about the EU,
the types of activities and laws with which the EU is concerned,
and general information about Europe. The EU is using international
law to unite many European countries. Read about what types
of laws the EU finds important to create this unity.
United
Nations Law Center
The United Nations maintains a site dedicated to the discussion
of international law. Read about specific tribunals, treaties,
and commissions. Back
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