Welcome to the sausage factory

http://wifflelevertofull.wordpress.com/2009/09/04/extracts-from-bobs-1984-diary-volume-248/

AGENDANovember 9/10, 2011

1. Today’s topics:Welcome to the Sausage FactoryArticle I: Powers & Limitations chart

Citations

2. Homework due next class:Complete essay

The U.S. Senate Legislative Process:Welcome to the Sausage Factory

Take your elements of the legislative process and place them on the table, in order. • Work together• Several elements may point to the same place• No duplicate elements at the same place

It may help to think about the following “stages” in the legislative process:

o Idea Stageo Draftingo Introductiono Senate Action

Stage # ____

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

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EXAMPLE

Steps in the Legislative ProcessSTAGE # 1: Idea Formation

Constituents Special Interests (lobbyists, stakeholders, grassroots organizations, etc.) News article about an issue Administration (President, OMB, federal agencies, etc.)

STAGE # 2: Drafting a Bill1) Staff writes a draft bill2) Legislative Counsel rewrite3) Consult stakeholders

STAGE # 3: Bill Introduction

4) Introduce bill5) Parliamentarian rules6) Committee Assigned7) Subcommittee Assigned

Legislative Process -- continued (2)STAGE # 4: Senate Action

1) Committee or Subcommittee Hearing Constituents Special Interests (lobbyists, stakeholders, grassroots organizations, etc.) News article about an issue Administration (President, OMB, federal agencies, etc.)

2) Committee Markup Constituents Special Interests (lobbyists, stakeholders, grassroots organizations, etc.) News article about an issue Administration (President, OMB, federal agencies, etc.)

3) Committee Vote Constituents Special Interests (lobbyists, stakeholders, grassroots organizations, etc.) News article about an issue Administration (President, OMB, federal agencies, etc.)

Legislative Process -- continued (3)4) Committee reports on bill5) Leadership negotiates floor time

a. Unanimous Consent agreement-- OR --

b. Floor time (debate) Constituents Special Interests (lobbyists, stakeholders, grassroots organizations,

etc.) News article about an issue Administration (President, OMB, federal agencies, etc.)

6) Cloture vote Constituents Special Interests (lobbyists, stakeholders, grassroots organizations,

etc.) News article about an issue Administration (President, OMB, federal agencies, etc.)

Legislative Process -- continued (4)7) Vote on amendments

Constituents Special Interests (lobbyists, stakeholders, grassroots organizations, etc.) News article about an issue Administration (President, OMB, federal agencies, etc.)

8) Vote on final passage Constituents Special Interests (lobbyists, stakeholders, grassroots organizations, etc.) News article about an issue Administration (President, OMB, federal agencies, etc.)

9) Conference Committee Constituents Special Interests (lobbyists, stakeholders, grassroots organizations, etc.) News article about an issue Administration (President, OMB, federal agencies, etc.)

“Laws, like sausages, cease to inspire respect in proportion as we know

how they are made.”John Godfrey Saxe, American poet (1816 – 1887)

http://www.uncrate.com/men/culture/food/harry-david-international-sausage-sampler/

Portfolio AssignmentTitle: Welcome to the sausage factory

Individually: Answer the following questions (10 min):1. What would you change about the

legislative process?2. Why would you make that change? 3. What is the outcome you are seeking by

making changes?

(bullet points, outline, or rough notes are fine)

Pair ShareWith a partner, share your answers. Identify possible unintended consequences of making

your proposed changes.

When done, draft a short (3-4 paragraph) essay answering the questions:

1. What would you change about the legislative process?

2. Why would you make that change? 3. What is the outcome you are seeking by making

changes?

Complete/type the essay as homework if not completed in class.

Article I: Powers & LimitationsPOWERS LIMITS

Tax, borrow, & spend Elections (the “political sanction”)

Regulate interstate commerce Must keep & publish a journalProduce & regulate currency Must record votesImpeachment (House) / Try impeachments (Senate)

Can’t suspend Habeus Corpus

Declare war; Raise & support army/navy

No Bill of Attainder or ex post facto law

Create court system Can’t tax exports“To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper…”

Can’t spend money unless authorized by law

HomeworkBefore you leave

Pick up your belongings Straighten desks

Homework due next class: Complete essay

1. What would you change about the legislative process?2. Why would you make that change? 3. What is the outcome you are seeking by making

changes?