Through readings and activities contained in this booklet, which is part of the "What If...Series," secondary students and adults learn about how a bill becomes a law and at the same time acquire effective coping skills. By using the materials, students will learn who makes laws, what laws are about, when and where laws are made, and how an idea becomes a law. The materials can be used in secondary classes and in naturalization and High School Equivalency Programs. The booklets are written at two reading levels -- Set 1 at grade 4,5 and Set 2 at grade 7,8 -- but content activities and paging of both sets are the same. The booklet contains concise reading selections followed by questions which the student is expected to answer in writing. Students are given tips for writing to their state legislator and are asked to compose a letter. In other booklet activities students fill in charts and write a short story. Reading and writing skills are emphasized. Optional activities described in the Teacher Guide (SO 012 329) include having students post news articles concerning major legislative issues on a bulletin board, conducting a lobbying role play, inviting legislators and lobbyists to explain their respective roles in the lawmaking process, and visiting a legislative session as a class field trip. Teacher training in the use of the materials can be arranged by contacting the Institute for Political and Legal Education. (Author/RM)