Ep. 126 - Article 1 - How A Bill Becomes A Law

Constituting America viewers of a certain generation will undoubtedly remember a cartoon from Schoolhouse Rock called "I'm Just A Bill" that explained the legislative process in how a bill becomes law.  James Madison wanted the process of legislating to be intentionally difficult through both houses to prevent what he called in Federalist 62 as "improper acts of legislation."  We all know Congress is made up of two bodies: the House and Senate.  But what is the process of how a bill winds its way through the House and Senate and ultimately lands on the President's desk to be signed into law?  How can a bill still become law when the President does not sign it?  And what on earth are committees, subcommittees, conference committees, party whips and Appropriations and what role do they all play in lawmaking?  Join our all-star panel  for this informative discussion with Professor Colleen Sheehan of Arizona State University who is also a former member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives!