The Process of Passing a Bill

Introduction: A bill is a proposed law that is introduced in the legislative branch of government. The process of passing a bill involves several steps that must be followed before it becomes a law. This handout will provide an overview of the process of passing a bill.

Step 1: Introduction The first step in passing a bill is the introduction of the bill. A member of Congress introduces the bill in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. The bill is assigned a number and referred to a committee for further consideration.

Step 2: Committee Consideration The committee to which the bill is referred will review the bill and may hold hearings to gather information and opinions from experts and the public. The committee may make changes to the bill before voting on whether to send it to the full House or Senate for consideration.

Step 3: Floor Action If the committee approves the bill, it is sent to the full House or Senate for consideration. The bill is debated and amendments may be proposed. If the bill is passed by a majority vote, it is sent to the other chamber for consideration.

Step 4: Conference Committee If the House and Senate pass different versions of the bill, a conference committee is formed to reconcile the differences. The conference committee is made up of members from both the House and Senate who work to create a compromise bill that can be passed by both chambers.

Step 5: Final Passage Once the conference committee has agreed on a compromise bill, it is sent back to the House and Senate for a final vote. If the bill is passed by both chambers, it is sent to the President for signature.

Step 6: Presidential Action The President can either sign the bill into law or veto it. If the President vetoes the bill, it can still become law if two-thirds of the House and Senate vote to override the veto.

Conclusion: The process of passing a bill is a complex and lengthy process that involves many steps. It requires cooperation and compromise between members of Congress and the President. Understanding the process of passing a bill is important for citizens to participate in the democratic process and hold their elected officials accountable.

Test:

1. What is a bill? a. A proposed law b. A proposed amendment c. A proposed regulation d. A proposed executive order

Answer: a. A proposed law

1. Who introduces a bill in Congress? a. The President b. The Supreme Court c. A member of Congress d. A state governor

Answer: c. A member of Congress

1. What happens to a bill after it is introduced in Congress? a. It is sent to the President for signature b. It is assigned a number and referred to a committee c. It is debated and amended on the House or Senate floor d. It becomes law immediately

Answer: b. It is assigned a number and referred to a committee

1. What is the purpose of a conference committee? a. To review a bill and make changes b. To hold hearings and gather information c. To reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill d. To vote on whether to pass a bill

Answer: c. To reconcile differences between House and Senate versions of a bill

1. What happens if the President vetoes a bill? a. It becomes law immediately b. It is sent back to Congress for further consideration c. It is sent to the Supreme Court for review d. It is sent to the states for ratification

Answer: b. It is sent back to Congress for further consideration