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Lobbying: Lend Me Your Ear
Introduction You’re waiting in the lobby of your government’s legislative building. Maybe you plan to convince your representative to vote yes on stricter environmental laws with the binder of facts...
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Interest Groups: Influencing Politics
Introduction At the start of a new school year, Bianca and her classmates notice fewer after-school activities and clubs. When they ask their principal about it, she says that the town council cut...
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Senate: The Upper House of the Legislature
Problem In the summer of 1787, Constitutional Convention delegates fiercely debated several issues as they wrote the new Constitution. One of those issues was the question of how representation would...
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House of Representatives: The Lower House of the Legislature
Problem It was the summer of 1787. The 55 Constitutional Convention delegates were in the middle of writing the U.S. Constitution, but they could not agree on how to apportion representation for the...
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Speaker of the House: Legislation Station Manager
Introduction The House of Representatives includes 435 members, each with their own political beliefs and opinions. They propose, debate, and amend bills, can impeach the president, and are responsible...
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Override Veto: Congress Versus the President
Introduction Camila and her sisters are trying to convince their parents that they should get take-out for dinner. They made a list of places they could get food from and gave it to their parents, but...
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Filibuster: Blah Blah Blah Just Blocked the Law
Introduction Your teacher decides to let your class vote on a reasonable homework limit. Most students seem in favor of placing the limit at 30 minutes a night, but a small group prefers having two...
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How a Bill Gets Passed: From Bill to Law
Introduction Laws govern our everyday lives: they tell us what we’re allowed to do and how our country works. But how are these laws created? Explanation The Constitution gives Congress the power to...
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Budget Reconciliation: Making the Money Move
Introduction Imagine your parents have a weekly budget they spend on household items. Every Sunday, they choose the food for the week, family activities, and any money you’re allowed to spend on new...
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House and Senate Hearings: Gathering the Facts
Introduction Vanessa’s school plans to offer a broader range of food in the cafeteria, but the school administrators are still deciding how to implement this project. To help make a decision, the...
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