Students in our civic classes recently had a unique opportunity to learn about the legislative process firsthand. On February 10th, State Representative Greg Smith visited Umatilla High School to lead an interactive activity on how a bill becomes a law.
During his visit, students participated in a hands-on simulation that walked them through each step of the legislative process—from an initial idea to debate and, ultimately, a vote. While they had read about the process in class, this activity allowed them to experience it in action. Students took on roles such as State Representative, Governor, Senator, lobbyist, and journalist, gaining a deeper understanding of how laws are made and the role elected officials play in shaping policy.
As part of the simulation, students encountered real-world challenges lawmakers face. In some cases, legislators couldn’t agree on a bill, requiring it to move through different stages of the legislative process for further debate. Eventually, when no consensus was reached, the bill had to be decided by a vote of the people, mirroring how ballot measures are sometimes used in real state government decisions.
Rep. Smith also answered students’ questions and shared examples of recent bills that have gone into effect, highlighting how some legislation is highly technical and requires careful consideration.
The visit left a lasting impression on students, sparking new perspectives on the legislative process. One student, Brooke Gerard, shared, "Something that surprised me about this whole complicated process was how easy it ended up being to understand. I'm taking a whole class about the U.S. government and its bills and laws, and none of it clicked easily. Representative Greg Smith explained the process within a class period. That's impressive! Because the activity was so fun and quite easy to envision, I'm now considering if it could be a career path for myself."
Beyond learning how laws are made, this experience encouraged students to think about their own role in government and civic engagement. Whether through voting, advocating for issues, or even pursuing careers in public service, students walked away with a better understanding of how they can participate in shaping their communities.
Thank you, Rep. Smith, for taking the time to bring real-world learning to our students!
