STEP-BY-STEP
VOTING IN CONGRESS:
JUST YES OR NO?!!
Time: One class period
OPTION A: POWER POINT PRESENTATION
OPTION B: OVERHEAD TRANSPARENCIES
USE
either the Power Point or the overhead transparencies as the guide for
the entire lesson. In addition, the three Power Point slides include
notes to instruct you when to pause the lesson while students complete
their handouts.
DISTRIBUTE
one “Just Yes or No?!!” packet to each student.
ASK
students to complete the first page of the handout by creating fictional
identities as legislators.
GUIDE
students through the lesson using the Power Point or the transparencies.
ASK
students to share the identities they created by raising their hands.
INSTRUCT
students on the four main factors that shape how legislators vote on
bills.
INTRODUCE
each of the bills one at time and the four factors that students will consider for each of them.
ENCOURAGE
students to answer the questions on “Part 2: Voting on Bills” on page 2
of their packets. Students should evaluate each bill as you present it.
INSTRUCT
students to look at page 3 of their packets on what powers are given to
and denied to Congress in the Constitution.
LEAD
a discussion regarding each bill, how students voted, and whether voting was easy or difficult. Repeat these steps for each of the three bills.
CLOSE
the lesson by having students answer the final review questions in
“Part 3: Advice to Future Members of Congress” on page 4 of their
packets. Review the answers with the students.
PART 3: I’M THE EXPERT!!!
TEACHER KEY
Directions: You are now an experienced member of Congress! What advice would you give to a
new member of Congress? Reflecting on what you have learned today, choose the correct answers
below.
Dear Representative or Senator,
Welcome to Congress! This is an exciting job, but it can also be difficult.
Here are some tips for you.
1.) We have a “limited government” that must follow the law This means:
(A) Congress can do anything it wants
(B) Congress may NOT do anything it wants
2.) To see if a bill is allowed, you must look in the:
(A) School Handbook
(B) the Constitution
3.) There are 4 factors that will influence how you vote on bills.
(1.) Does _______________________ have this power?
(A) the Supreme Court
(B) Congress
(2.) What are your _____________________ views?
(A) personal
(B) teacher’s
(3.) What are your _____________________ views?
(A) friends’
(B) political party’s
(4.) What are your _____________________ views?
(A) voters’
(B) classmates’
4.) But in the end, you have to choose how you vote on the bill. Your choices are:
(A) I’ll vote tomorrow.
(B) Maybe
(C) Yes or NO
(D) Never!
Just Yes or No?!!
Part 1: Who am I?
Name:
he
If in t
e:
Hous
Your New Title:
I am
the:
er of
b
m
e
am
ouse
___ H
nta
prese
of Re
Representative__________________________
(Your Last Name)
tives
Which city or town do you represent?
_________________________________
e
Senat
____
e
If in th
Senate
:
Your New Title:
Choosing Your Values:
In your job as a legislator, you will be voting on
bills to make laws that reflect your values and
beliefs. Choose 1 of the 6 values below that
you MOST support. Put a check mark next to
whichever value you choose.
Senator __________________________
(Your Last Name)
Which state do you represent?
_________________________________
You will use this value to guide your decisions
during this lesson.
Liberty: means that people
have the freedom to do
Equality: means that
everyone is treated fairly
and has an equal chance
Competition: means that
people are encouraged to
compete to succeed
Cooperation: means that
people are encouraged to
work together to get things
done
Cost Saving: means that
the government is not
spending a lot of money
Generosity: means the
government is providing
large benefits or services
to citizens
s who
l leader to be
a
ic
t
li
o
tend
cted p
values
and ele
e
s
e
r
r
e
h
t
t
o
e
V
arty.
of thes
ican P
l
y
b
n
a
u
p
ld
e
ho
eR
rs of th
membe
Voters a
nd
hold any elected politica
l le
o
member f these three va aders who
s of the
lues ten
d to be
Democ
ratic Pa
rty.
PART 2: LET ME TELL YOU WHAT I THINK!!!
Bill #1: Saturday mail delivery in the United States should end.
Does Congress have the
power to do this?
____ Yes ____ No
Based on which power:
__________________________________________
Your Personal Views?
____ Support the bill.
____ Do not support the bill.
Your Party’s Views?
____ Support the bill.
____ Do not support the bill.
Your Voters’ Views?
____ Support the bill.
____ Do not support the bill.
For Bill #1, I vote: ______ YES
______ NO
Bill #2: The federal minimum wage should be increased from $7.25 to
$7.50 per hour.
Does Congress have the
power to do this?
____ Yes ____ No
Based on which power:
__________________________________________
Your Personal Views?
____ Support the bill.
____ Do not support the bill.
Your Party’s Views?
____ Support the bill.
____ Do not support the bill.
Your Voters’ Views?
____ Support the bill.
____ Do not support the bill.
For Bill #2, I vote: ______ YES
______ NO
Bill #3: The government should grant citizens titles of nobility such as
duke or duchess, baron or baroness, earl or countess. These individuals
would be of a higher class and have special privileges.
Does Congress have the
power to do this?
____ Yes ____ No
Based on which power:
__________________________________________
Your Personal Views?
____ Support the bill.
____ Do not support the bill.
Your Party’s Views?
____ Support the bill.
____ Do not support the bill.
Your Voters’ Views?
____ Support the bill.
____ Do not support the bill.
For Bill #3, I vote: ______ YES
______ NO
The Constitution:
Some Powers that Congress
does NOT have:
It’s where the rules are!
Some of
Congress’ Powers—
These are listed in the Constitution.
1. To make and collect taxes to raise money to
pay debts and provide for common defense
and general welfare of U.S.
2. To regulate commerce (business) with foreign nations and across state lines and with
Indian tribes
3. To make immigration laws
4. To make bankruptcy laws
5. To establish post offices and post roads
6. To declare war
7. To raise (create) and support armies

Congress may not favor one state over another in its trade policies.

Congress may not spend money without
passing a law and making a record of it.

The government may not grant titles of nobility.
Can’t find what
you are looking
for?
Look closer!!!
And see the hint
below. There’s
more here than
meets the eye.
So, what does this mean for you?
It means that Congress may be able
to do more things that are not on
the list if it will help do something
that is on the list!
The Supreme Court has said that this
language means that Congress can
carry out its powers using “all means
which are appropriate” and not prohibited by the Constitution.
HINT!!!
An additional power given to Congress in
the Constitution:
“To make all laws which shall be necessary
and proper for carrying into execution the
foregoing powers, and all other powers vested
by this Constitution in the Government of the
United States, or in any Department or Officer
thereof.”
PART 3: I’M THE EXPERT!!!
Directions: You are now an experienced member of Congress! What advice would you give to a
new member of Congress? Reflecting on what you have learned today, choose the correct answers
below.
Dear Representative or Senator,
Welcome to Congress! This is an exciting job, but it can also be difficult.
Here are some tips for you.
1.) We have a “limited government” that must follow the law This means:
(A) Congress can do anything it wants
(B) Congress may NOT do anything it wants
2.) To see if a bill is allowed, you must look in the:
(A) School Handbook
(B) the Constitution
3.) There are 4 factors that will influence how you vote on bills.
(1.) Does _______________________ have this power?
(A) the Supreme Court
(B) Congress
(2.) What are your _____________________ views?
(A) personal
(B) teacher’s
(3.) What are your _____________________ views?
(A) friends’
(B) political party’s
(4.) What are your _____________________ views?
(A) voters’
(B) classmates’
4.) But in the end, you have to choose how you vote on the bill. Your choices are:
(A) I’ll vote tomorrow.
(B) Maybe
(C) Yes or NO
(D) Never!
“Voting in Congress: Just Yes or No?!!”
Who will you be?

Today you will step into the
shoes of a legislator!
Making Laws:

As a member of Congress, it is your job to make laws
that solve problems facing this country.

Congress makes laws regarding such issues as: education, going to war, the economy, taxes, and the environment. And the list is much longer than this!
Deciding How to Vote:

Today we will consider 3 bills.

For each bill, you will compare the
following four factors.

Then you will get 1 vote – YES or
NO!
1
Overhead Transparency Master
The 4 main factors that shape
whether a legislator votes YES or NO on a bill:
Factor #1: Does Congress have the power to do this?

In this country, the government can’t do anything it
wants to do! It must follow the law, too.

Where does the government find the answer to this question? Its official rulebook: The Constitution!

The Constitution only gives the Congress specific powers. This is called: “LIMITED GOVERNMENT.”
Factor #2: Your Personal Views

We all have opinions on lots of different things! (Like
favorite ice cream flavor or TV show)

As a member of Congress, you have a personal opinion
on the bills that come before you.

Sometimes you will agree with bills, and other times you
will be totally against them.
2
Overhead Transparency Master
Factor #3: What does your political party think?

Definition: A group with similar values that works to
win elections and shape laws that reflect those values.

Your political party is like your team. You try to support
each other and make bills that reflect your values.

Sometimes you will agree with your political party on a
bill, and other times you may disagree with your party’s
opinion on a bill.
Factor #4: Your Voters

Your voters got you elected into office.

You would not have your job if not for your voters!

Your voters will choose whether you keep your job in the
future. They can reelect you in the next election, or they
can elect someone else.

So, you care what your voters think!
3
Overhead Transparency Master
Bill #1: End Saturday Mail Delivery

The United States Postal Service (USPS) is an independent government agency. It pays for itself with the money it brings in from its
services.

The USPS is losing A LOT of money because people are sending
fewer letters. People use email to send messages and pay bills
online.

What are the numbers?
 In 2009, USPS lost $3.8 billion!
 Over the next 10 years, it expects to lose $238 billion!!!
More Things to Consider:
 This bill will save the Postal Service about $3 billion a year. For it
to keep running, it needs to reduce its debt.

In 2009, the amount of letters and packages mailed was down
12.7%. This trend is going to continue for years to come.

Will voters be upset with no Saturday mail delivery? It’s a part of
American life.

In 1957, there was a law passed to do away with Saturday mail. It
lasted one Saturday! Voters were so upset that Congress passed a
bill to bring it back.
4
Overhead Transparency Master
Bill #1: Consider the 4 Factors
Look at your handout, “Part 2: Voting on Bills.”
Does Congress have the power to do this?

Examine page 3 of your handout to see if Congress has power over
post offices (therefore the postal service).
Your Personal Views?

Do you believe Saturday mail delivery should be stopped or continued?
Does your political party support this?

To know what political party you would most likely be, refer to
page 1 of your packet. See which value you checked off and the
political party with which it usually connects.

Which party do you think would support this?
Which party do you think would oppose this?
The answer is to come!


Do your voters support this bill?

For this activity, we will say that your state or district has more older
voters than younger voters. Older voters are more likely to still use
the Postal Service to mail letters while younger voters are more
likely to use email. So, what do you think? Will the majority of
your voters support or oppose this bill?
5
Overhead Transparency Master
e
utcom
O
:
1
#
ill
B
Does Congress have the power to make laws for the Postal Service?

Yes! It’s listed in the Constitution.
Which political party supports this bill?

The Republican Party would be more likely support to this.
Why? Because the bill saves money.

The Democratic Party would be more likely to oppose this.
Why? Democrats would be more concerned with people wanting
Saturday delivery to continue, even if it costs more money.
What do your voters support?

The majority of your voters want Saturday mail delivery to continue!
Bill #1: How did you vote?!!




How many people voted YES on the bill?
How many people voted NO on the bill?
For how many people was this an easy decision? Why?
For how many people was this a difficult decision? Why?
6
Overhead Transparency Master
Bill #2:
Increase the minimum wage
from $7.25 to $7.50 per hour

The minimum wage refers to what businesses must pay their workers. They may not pay less than this.

In July 2009, the minimum wage increased to its current level of
$7.25 per hour.
Who supports this?

Workers who get paid by the hour support increases to the minimum
wage.
Who opposes this?

Business owners want to set their employees’ wages and do not believe the government should do this.
7
Overhead Transparency Master
Bill #2: Consider the 4 Factors
Look at your handout, “Part 2: Voting on Bills.”
Does Congress have the power to do this?
 Examine page 3 of your handout to see if Congress has the power to
change the minimum wage.

HINT: Congress might think this is “necessary” to control business
done across state lines.
Your Personal Views?
 Do you believe the minimum wage should be increased to $7.50 per
hour?
Does your political party support this?
 Which party do you think would support
this?
 Which party do you think would oppose
this?
 The answer is to come!
Do your voters support this bill?
 States have their own laws on the minimum wage. States may require that their employers pay their employees MORE than the minimum wage. However, they may NOT permit them to pay LESS than
it.

Refer to the chart on the next slide to see where your state falls, and
then decide if you think your voters would support the increase.
8
Overhead Transparency Master
STATES WITH
A MINIMUM
WAGE
HIGHER THAN
THE FEDERAL
LAW
STATES WITH
MINIMUM WAGE
LAWS THAT ARE
THE SAME AS
THE FEDERAL
LAW
STATES WITH
MINIMUM WAGE
LAWS THAT ARE
LOWER THAN
THE FEDERAL
LAW
STATES WITH NO MINIMUM WAGE LAWS
9
26 States
Overhead Transparency Master
me
Outco
:
2
#
l
l
i
B
Does Congress have the power to increase the minimum wage?

The Supreme Court has said “Yes!”

But this was not easy to figure out since “minimum wage” is not listed in the
Constitution. These are called, “implied powers.”
“Implied Powers”

Congress does have some powers, “implied powers,” that are not
actually written in the Constitution.

Look at the bottom right of page 3 of your packet. The part that
reads, “To make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper …”

Let’s read the box below it together.
What gives Congress this power?
 Congress may create minimum wage laws because it is part of
“regulating commerce … among the several states,” which is in the
Constitution.

This is referred to as: “interstate commerce.”

Congress has the power to make laws for businesses that operate in
more than one state.
10
Overhead Transparency Master
Bill #2: Outcome (continued)
Which political party supports this bill?

The Democratic Party would likely support this.
Why? Because Democrats tend to believe the government should ensure
all workers are earning a fair wage of at least a certain amount.

The Republican Party would likely oppose this.
Why? Because Republicans tend to believe the government should give business owners and employees the freedom to negotiate salaries individually.
Do your voters support this bill?

If you represent a state with a minimum wage higher than the federal law, your
voters would likely support this bill.

If you live in a state with a minimum wage that is the same as the federal law,
then it is uncertain what your voters want. You can decide!

If you live in a state with a lower minimum wage than the federal law or no
minimum wage law at all, then your voters would likely oppose this bill.
Bill #2: How did you vote?!!

How many people voted YES on the bill?

How many people voted NO on the bill?

For how many people was this an easy decision? Why?

For how many people was this a difficult decision? Why?
11
Overhead Transparency Master
Bill #3: The government should
grant citizens titles of nobility.

The United States government does not currently grant citizens titles
of nobility.

This bill would include such titles as duke or duchess, baron or baroness, earl or countess.

These individuals would be of a higher class and have special privileges.

Who support this?
Individuals who believe that society should have upper and lower
classes.

Who opposes this?
Individuals who believe that all people should be equal and have
the same opportunities to be successful.
12
Overhead Transparency Master
Bill #3: Consider the 4 Factors
Look at your handout, “Part 3: Voting on Bills.”
Does Congress have the power to do this?

Examine page 3 of your handout to see if Congress has the power to
grant titles of nobility.
Your Personal Views?

Do you believe that the government should be allowed to grant titles
of nobility and special privileges to people?
Does your political party support this?
Do your voters support this bill?

For both of these questions, decide what you think the right answer
would be.

Take a guess on your handout.

We will go over this later!
13
Overhead Transparency Master
me
o
c
t
u
O
:
Bill #3
Does Congress have the power to grant titles of nobility?

NO!

It is listed in the Constitution that Congress may NOT do this.
Which political party supports this bill?

NEITHER! The bill is un-American. It goes against the principles
upon which this country was founded.

It goes against ALL of the values of each party. Why?
Do your voters support this bill?

NO! Again, the concept of the government granting special privileges to one class of people above another goes against the values of
this country.
Bill #3: How did you vote?!!

How many people voted YES on the bill?

How many people voted NO on the bill?

For how many people was this an easy decision? Why?

For how many people was this a difficult decision? Why?

But it DOESN’T MATTER. It’s unconstitutional, so you can’t do it!
14
Overhead Transparency Master