TITLE:  HOW AN IDEA BECOMES A LAW

AUTHOR:  Wanda Kehl; Desert Shadows Middle School'
         Scottsdale, AZ

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:  6 - 9

OVERVIEW:  Students often see laws as big don'ts that
someone has imposed upon them to take away their freedom.

PURPOSE:  To give students a chance to visualize the step-
by-step process of how an idea becomes a law and how
involved the process is.

OBJECTIVES:  Students will be able to:
  1.  list the 14 steps of a "Bill to law"
  2.  explain the three actions the President may take
  3.  describe "override" the President's veto
  4.  arrange the 14 steps on a poster.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS:  simplified list of the steps of a
bill,  18" X 24" paper, ruler, glue, colored paper, markers

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
  1.  Have students make a list of the 14 steps.
  2.  Using their textbook write out the three actions
      the President may take and explain each.
  3.  Describe the term "override" orally.
  4.  In pairs or individually have students decide on a
      motif or theme for their poster.  Create a poster
      by arranging the motif or theme to illustrate the
      steps of a bill to become a law.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:
  1.  Collect and then grade completed posters.
      (They will need more time than one class period)
  2.  Make a stack of cards with one step written on each
      card.  Give one card to 14 different students.
      Have students arrange themselves in the proper
      order.
  3.  Evaluate by giving students a "step" and having
      them give the next one.