Students in 4th and 5th grade will also be learning about the law-making process as part of their social studies course. However, they will need some help! Your job is to create a flow chart or other graphic to help the students understand how a bill can become a law in Georgia.

Question

Here is what you will need to create:

1. A flow chart/graphic organizer of the law-making process in the Georgia General Assembly. This should include a minimum of three (3) images to enhance student understanding.

2. A breakdown of the process for a bill to become law. This should include anywhere from 7-10 steps depending on how you choose to break down the process. The flow chart/graphic organizer must start with the idea of a bill, the bill’s movement through both houses, the committees that the bill would visit, and end with the bill going to the governor for his approval (or veto).

3. A list of a minimum of three (3) questions to ask students about this process. This list should include at least one question that requires students to use a higher depth of reasoning to explain.

Answer 1

Flow Chart: The Law-Making Process in the Georgia General Assembly

Here's a simplified flow chart to help students understand how a bill becomes a law in Georgia.

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1. Idea for a Bill
   
   (A lightbulb representing the inception of a new idea)

2. Drafting the Bill
   
   (A person writing with a pen and paper)

3. Introducing the Bill
   
   (A representative presenting the bill in the House or Senate)

4. Committee Review

   • The bill is assigned to a committee.
   • Committees discuss, amend, and vote on the bill.
     

5. Floor Debate

   • The bill is debated in the full House or Senate.
     

6. Vote in the First House

   • If passed, the bill moves to the second house.
     

7. Committee Review in the Second House

   • The second house committee reviews and votes on the bill.
     

8. Floor Debate in the Second House

   • The bill is debated and voted on again in the second house.

9. Final Vote

   • If changes were made, the bill may need to return to the first house for agreement.
     

10. Governor’s Approval or Veto

• The bill goes to the Governor.
• The Governor can sign it into law or veto it.
  

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Breakdown of the Process for a Bill to Become Law

1. Idea for a Bill: The process begins with an idea, often stemming from issues in the community, advocacy, or suggestions from citizens.

2. Drafting the Bill: A legislator, or a group of legislators, drafts the bill's language.

3. Introducing the Bill: The bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate.

4. Committee Review: The bill is assigned to a relevant committee, where it is discussed, and modifications can be made.

5. Floor Debate: The bill is debated by the full body of the House or Senate, where members can express support or opposition.

6. Vote in the First House: The bill is put to a vote. If it passes, it moves to the other house.

7. Committee Review in the Second House: Similar to the first house, the bill goes to a committee in the second house for review and amendments.

8. Floor Debate in the Second House: The bill is debated again to allow for further discussion.

9. Final Vote: If both houses pass the bill and any amendments, it is prepared for the Governor.

10. Governor’s Approval or Veto: Finally, the Governor can sign the bill into law, allowing it to take effect, or veto it, which sends it back to the legislature for potential reconsideration.

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Questions for Students

1. Why is it important for a bill to go through both houses of the General Assembly?
   (This question encourages students to think critically about the checks and balances in the legislative process.)

2. Can you explain what happens in a committee review and why it is a crucial step in the law-making process?

3. What powers does the Governor have when it comes to the bills passed by the legislature?
   (This question allows students to explore the executive branch's role in the legislative process.)