Milwaukee CFL Speech Qualifier
2021 — Online, WI/US
Student Congress
Event Description:
Bills and resolutions are different types of legislation; each type has a different purpose and a different format.
• A bill is an enumeration of specific provisions which, if enacted, will have the force of law. If the Congress of the United States has the authority to enact a particular policy or initiative, legislation must be drafted as a bill (as opposed to a resolution). Debate on a bill will often include discussion on the merits of specific processes contained therein. A bill contains either sections or articles, but not “Whereas” clauses.
• A resolution is simply a generalized statement expressing a conviction or idea. Resolutions are used when Congress does not have sole authority over a particular policy or initiative. Debate on a resolution generally centers on broad principles about the concept presented. “Whereas” clauses (as opposed to articles/sections) are used to set forth the ideas presented in a resolution. Since Constitutional Amendments are actually suggestions that the states ratify a provision, these should be written as resolutions.
A few tips/reminders
1. Legislation must use the correct template
2. Legislation must be limited to 1 page
3. Legislation must use the default font, size, and spacing
4. Legislation must be of a serious purpose.
It is the desire of the Clerk of Congress to include all legislation. However, legislation that is lacking on one or more of the areas listed above may excluded from the packet. MCFL schools are may include a maximum of 2 pieces of legislation in for use in the preliminary session.