Maine Lawmaking

Matt Dunlap"Hello, there! Do you want to learn more about how we make laws in Maine? I’ll tell you all about it in my animated video, “The Path to Maine Lawmaking” and you can learn how an idea becomes law.”

Have you ever wondered how state laws are made? Have you ever questioned who made them and why?

This site will help you travel the path of Maine lawmaking - and, once you understand the principles of governance, you will become a more informed, responsible and involved citizen.

Also on this site you can learn how to contact the State House, write to your legislator, prepare testimony, or listen to the Legislature in session.

To test your skills, you'll have fun solving the word scrambles or playing the board games.

I sure hope you enjoy the features on this site. Send a message and tell me what you thought about your trip on this Path to Maine Lawmaking.

About this Project

“…and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863

A vibrant, responsive democracy depends on citizens' understanding of the role of government (“for the people”) and on their participation in the process of governing (“by the people”). Without such knowledge and participation, government cannot truly represent the wishes of the governed (“of the people”).

And it is in that spirit that this web site has been created. It provides an overview of the legislative process in Maine with related activities and resources for students to make the road to governance less bewildering and the path of Maine lawmaking easier to travel. We hope you enjoy a satisfying journey with us.