How do we balance power between the states and the federal government? This question has shaped American democracy since the Constitutional Convention, when delegates faced the challenge of creating a stronger federal system while preserving state authority. This film explores the Constitution’s Commerce Clause found in Article 1, Section 8, which grants Congress the power “to regulate commerce…among the several states” and examines its historical context and ongoing impact.
Article I
Article I creates the two sections of Congress – the Senate and the House – and outlines its powers and limits.
Article I – War Powers
The framers specified the powers of Congress in great detail in Article I, Section 8, of the Constitution. They include the power to declare war.
How a Bill Becomes a Federal Law
Through this lesson, students will learn about the dynamic process of federal lawmaking and how it relates to them.
One School’s Fight: The Making of a Law
Through this lesson, students will learn about the dynamic interconnections of people, principles, and process that are involved in making federal laws.
Legislative Process: How a Bill Becomes a Federal Law
Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D., Calif.) and Rep. Pete Sessions (R., Texas) explain the complex process of turning a bill into federal law in discussions with high school students.
One School’s Fight: The Making of a Law
This documentary tells the story of a tiny school in Yosemite National Park that tries to solve its funding problem by getting a bill passed in Congress and, in the process, learns many lessons about how federal laws are made.
Article I – Commerce Clause
The Constitution is ratified. Article 1, Section 8 gives Congress the authority “To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes.”
LawCraft
Learn how laws are made in an updated version of LawCraft. Select a district to represent in the House of Representatives, then review letters from constituents. You’ll dig into survey data and select an issue that’s important to you and the people who live in your district. Take that issue to the House and jump into the law-making process. See if you can make the compromises necessary to get your bill passed by the House and Senate and still make a law you’re proud of.