Laws and regulations affect nearly every aspect of our daily lives: the food we buy, the homes and apartments we live in, the roads we drive on, and even the ways we use our smartphones. Yet for many Americans, the process of how laws are made remains a mystery—something that happens far off in Washington, D.C., behind closed doors and away from the public. This book helps clarify that process by taking you on the journey of a law from its introduction through its passage. Along the way you'll learn how Congress is organized, means of introducing new legislation, the importance of committees and subcommittees, and the strengths and limits of presidential power. Discover the ways the House of Representatives and Senate collaborate to review legislation and follow along with the practical day-to-day details of scheduling the legislative calendar. Illustrations, video links, and suggested research projects round out the journey. This book will give you the background you need to understand how a single idea can become the law of the land.