and then realize as an adult, that they left out the money part..or was that the way it used to be?

And, no, money has always been involved, because I can't think of any laws, though there could be some, that don't impact someone financially. And, because of this, if they have the financial resources, they will apply some of those resources to either passing or rejecting the bill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZMmPWTwTHc