Dynamic Legislative Process

 

Overview

This module allows students to compare the typical textbook legislative process with the dynamic process, and students will see how our untidy process has produced solid results. Students will also get a chance to hear some interviews with experts on Congress, voice their opinions on how they think the process should work, and see how others who used the module voted.

 

This module has six self-contained sections, briefly described below. Depending on the amount of time you have available, you may have students view all six sections, or you may choose to have them view only certain sections.

1. Introduction: This section describes what is included in this module and explains what you can expect to learn.
2. Textbook Legislative Process: This section includes an interactive quiz about Congress and describes how most textbooks explain the legislative process.
3. Public Criticisms: This section lists five common criticisms of Congress. You are given the opportunity to decide if you agree or disagree with these criticisms.
4. Dynamic Legislative Process: This section describes the complex nature of the legislative process.
5. Solid Results: This section describes some of the results that have come out of the legislative process. It also includes two videos about how the legislative process has served our nation.
6. Lee Hamilton Summary and Links: Lee Hamilton gives a concluding statement. Links to other relevant Web sites are provided and a List of Resources is provided.

Navigating the E-Learning Module

Navigating this e-learning module is fairly intuitive. If needed, you may refer to the step-by-step instructions below.

 

If you wish to view all of the sections sequentially, click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen. At the end of each section you will see an arrow to guide you to the next section.

 

If you wish to view only certain sections, position your cursor over the numbered tabs on the right of the screen. Click on the title of the section you wish to view.

Introduction

You will automatically progress through this section when you click the arrow to begin.

Textbook Legislative Process

A brief introduction will appear when you start this section. Click on the arrow when you finish reading this introduction. You will then start a quiz. Answer each question by clicking on the correct answer. A pop-up will appear and tell you whether or not you answered the question correctly. Click on the arrow to advance to the next question. At the end of the interactive quiz, the next section will load. In this section you will learn how most textbooks describe the legislative process. Click on the arrows to proceed through this section. At the end of the Textbook Legislative Process you may view the next section, Public Criticisms, or view a different section.

Public Criticisms

This section begins with an Introduction. Once you have read it, click on the arrow to advance to the next part. A criticism will then appear. Decide whether you agree or disagree with this criticism. Then move the slider to reflect your decision. Click on the arrow to view a response to the criticism. Click on the arrow when you have finished reading the response. A new criticism will then appear. After you have viewed five criticisms, you can see how you feel about how Congress operates and see how your attitude compares to others who have completed this exercise. Click on the arrow to advance through the rest of this section and learn why Congress works the way it does. At the end of Public Criticisms you may view the next section, Dynamic Legislative Process, or view a different section.

Dynamic Legislative Process

A brief Introduction will appear when you start this section. Click on the arrow when you finish reading it. You will automatically progress through a description of how the legislative process really works.

Solid Results

Click on the arrow to begin this section. You will automatically progress through a description of some of the results that have come out of the legislative process. If you wish, you can skip this section by clicking on the arrow at the bottom of the screen. After you have listened to the description about the solid results of Congress, you can watch two videos about how the legislative process has served our nation. To play the videos, click the arrows.

Lee Hamilton Summary and Links

You will automatically progress through this section when you click the arrow to begin. At the end of this section, you will see a list of Web and print resources.

 

Helpful Hints

If you use a projection device to show sections of this module, you will find the navigation buttons very useful. There is a BACK button and PAUSE button at the top of each window. You can stop the animation by clicking on the PAUSE button to discuss the main points and make sure students comprehend the material—and you can go back to review points by clicking on the BACK button.