Laws are what make our society run in an orderly way. But where do they come from? The framers established fundamental laws in the Constitution and gave the power to write new ones to the nation’s citizens through elected representatives in Congress. These legislators propose new laws as bills, debate them and decide whether to pass them. But they don’t have the final say. The president decides either to sign the bill into law or veto – reject – it. If an individual or group thinks the law is unconstitutional, it can be challenged in the courts, where, ultimately, the U.S. Supreme Court may make the final decision.

Laws are not permanent. They can be changed or repealed. Sometimes laws are affected by the beliefs of the current government leaders: the president, members of Congress and the justices of the U.S. Supreme Court. Also, laws are affected as the views of society evolve on issues, such as gender or race.

Presidential signing statements are written documents that the president attaches to a bill that he signs into law. Presidents use them to add their own comments on a law. They date back to the Monroe administration (1817-1825).

• How a Bill Becomes a Federal Law (19 min)

• The Making of a Law (20 min)

• Video Discussion on Presidential Signing Statements (host Gwen Ifill, senior correspondent, The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer)
  • Separation of Powers (10 min)

• Selective Non-enforcement (12 min)

• Unitary Power of the Executive (10 min)

• Intent (10 min)