Civics & Economicsby Matthew Caggia
- Semester 1 Bell Ringers
- Unit 1: Foundations of American Government
- Unit 2: The Constitution
- Unit 3A: Comparative Government- Legislative Branch
- Unit 3B: Comparative Government- Executive Branch
- Unit 3C: Comparative Government- Judicial Branch
- Unit 4A: Citizenship, Voting, & Elections
- Unit 4B: Political Parties & Influencing Government
- Unit 5: Making Laws
- Unit 6: Violating the Law
- Unit 7: Personal Financial Literacy
- Unit 8: Economic Fundamentals
- Unit 9: Government in the Economy
- Unit 10: International Economics
- Review Materials
- Landmark Supreme Court Cases
- Review Forum
- Essential Discussions
Unit 5: Making Laws
Chapter 15 and Section 6.4
"... to insure domestic tranquility..." is one of the goals of government under the United States Constitution. For that purpose we have laws. Laws exist to protect people from each other, to provide some semblance of order to make sure that our Natural Rights are protected otherwise what is there to stop people from harming each other in their life, liberty, or property? This unit begins our investigation of the types of laws that exist in American legal culture and the origin of some of these ideas.
Study Tools
Online Textbook Resources
These pages contain the links to the online content for student practice. It includes Chapter Overviews, Web Activities, Self-Check Quizzes, ePuzzles and Games, Vocabulary Flashcards, Charts in Motion (to accompany diagrams in the textbook), and Interactive Graphic Organizers.
- Chapter 15 Student Center: Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Vocabulary
Link to Quizlet! Vocabulary is the key to understanding any subject. Once you can break down the barrier of language the ideas and concepts are wide open. Here you can find the vocabulary for the unit to practice by using online flash cards and by practicing online generated vocabulary quizzes.
When you get to the Quizlet Quiz page, you can adjust what type of quiz to take by using the check boxes on the right.
Slide Shows
The slideshows are best viewed full screen. Slideshows will be blocked until AFTER the homework is due to encourage students to read the required sections of the textbook.
How A Bill Becomes Law
General Overview of How a Bill Becomes a Law. Pay attention to all the places where a bill could die. This accompanies section 6.4 from the textbook.
How a Bill Becomes a Law Infographic
A little more complex than the textbook discusses, this diagram runs through the process by which an idea, proposed to Congress as a bill, can become a law (or not become a law). Click on the image for full size. (Image by Mike Wirth)
Types of Laws
To accompany section 15.2 this presentation introduces civil, criminal, and public law.
The American Legal System
This presentation, to accompany section 15.3, reviews earlier concepts such as habeas corpus, bill of attainder, and ex post facto laws. It also introduces aspects of the legal system: bail, and plea bargain.
Videos
Schoolhouse Rock: I'm Just A Bill
THE classic School House Rock video - "I'm Just A Bill." This short video traces the life of a bill from its creation through passage to a law. Although it is quick, it covers it all. It could not hurt to watch more than once.