Congressional committees and the legislative process
http://edsitement.neh.gov/view_lesson_plan.asp?id=284
A lesson plan for grades 10–12 Social Studies
This lesson plan introduces students to the pivotal role that Congressional committees play in the legislative process, focusing on how their own Congressional representatives influence legislation through their committee appointments. Students begin by reviewing the stages of the legislative process, then learn how committees and subcommittees help determine the outcome of this process by deciding which bills the full Congress will consider and by shaping the legislation upon which votes are finally cast.
With this background, students research the committee and subcommittee assignments of their Congressional representatives, then divide into small groups to prepare class reports on the jurisdictions of these different committees and their representatives’ special responsibilities on each one.
Finally, students consider why representation on these specific committees might be important to the people of their state or community, and examine how the committee system reflects some of the basic principles of American federalism. The goals of this lesson plan are:
- to understand the legislative process of the United States Congress
- to examine the role that Congressional committees play in this process
- to learn how one’s Congressional representatives can influence legislation through their specific committee assignments
- to consider how representation on specific Congressional committees can be important to state or community interests
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Social Studies (2003)
Grade 10
- Goal 6: The learner will explain why laws are needed and how they are enacted, implemented, and enforced at the national, state, and local levels.
- Objective 6.03: Identify the various procedures in the enactment, implementation, and enforcement of law.
Grade 11–12 — Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics
- Goal 4: The learner will examine and understand the institutions of national government: the Congress.
- Objective 4.02: Explain the legislative process.
