A Bill Becomes a Law
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Unit 2
 
Legislative Lingo
 
Strategies and Power Plays
 
Exceptions to the Rule
 
Stats, Quirks, and Examples
 
The Legislative Junkie

Strategies and Power Plays

Unit 2

Convincing others that a problem exists is a key first step. Two strategies stand out. "Absolute problems" result when virtually everyone is shocked into action (the terrorists acts of September 11, 2001, convinced everyone that something had to be done). Most policy stems from convincing others of "relative problems"--things are worse than they were in the past relative to time (students feel less safe in schools). Or our system performs worse than others, others we like to compare ourselves with (we need stricter gun control since we have more murders with guns than other democracies).


Unit Introduction

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Copyright © 2005 The Dirksen Congressional Center

Home Unit 1: Introduction Unit 2: From Problems to Solutions Unit 3: Origin of Bills Unit 4: Bill Drafting and Floor Introduction Unit 5: Referral to Committee Unit 6: Subcommittee Review Unit 7: Mark-up and Subcommittee Voting Unit 8: Committee Action Unit 9: Scheduling Floor Consideration Unit 10: Floor Debate Unit 11: Floor Votes Unit 12: Ironing Out Differences Unit 13: Presidential Action and Congressional Reaction Unit 14: The Legislative Processes