Congress

Let’s Make It A Law!

How Congress Works (Role-Playing)

This hands-on program allows your class to become “Congress.”  Students will be elected to either the “House” or the “Senate” and then participate in the process by which an idea becomes a law. Representatives and Senators will take a bill to committee to decide whether to pass, amend or kill it.  If it survives committee, it goes on to the full body.  If it survives the full body, it crosses over to the other house.  If it is finally approved by both houses, it appears before the president to sign or veto.  Once finished, we’ll see if the public approves of what their members of Congress have done.

Your Students Will Learn:

  • The role of Congress in government
  • The path of a bill through Congress
  • Amending bills
  • The houses of Congress
  • The role of committees
  • The role of the Speaker of the House
  • The role of the President and Vice -President
  • The role of the public

Indiana State Standards For Social Studies: 
5.2.7, 5.2.8, 5.2.9, 5.2.10, 8.2.1, 8.2.2, 8.2.3, 8.2.4, 8.2.5, 8.2.6, 8.2.7, 8.2.9