Purpose:

The purpose of this lesson is to explore the processes through which legislation and the budget come to fruition. Students will discuss the steps in the legislative process.

Objective:

Students should understand the steps in the legislative process in South Dakota, including the role of legislators, committees, and the governor. Students should understand the budget development process in South Dakota. Students should understand the relationship between revenue and appropriations.

Activities

1. Although only legislators can introduce bills, ideas for legislation come from a variety of sources. Ask students to draft a bill to send to their state senator or representive. Brainstorm for a public policy problem that can be addressed by the Legislature, and ask students for creative solutions. Current bills: Legislative Research Council Bill Menu

Alternately, ask students to draft an issue paper on a particular public policy problem that is important to them. Gather research on the issue during class and include in the issue paper possible solutions to the problem. Send a copy of the issue paper to members of the Legislature.

Resources:

• Legislative Research Council

• South Dakota State News Web: Issue Briefs

2. Allow students to visit the web sites of the US House and Senate that explore the lawmaking process. Lead students in a discussion of the ways in which the lawmaking processes vary between state and federal levels. Students should be able to identify reasons for these differences, such as differing sizes in the bodies, different length of sessions, etc.

• US Senate: http://www.senate.gov/
• US House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov/