How a bill becomes a law The founding fathers intentionally made the process of how a bill (proposed law) becomes a law difficult. They did this so law makers would have to think about the laws they were making.

House of Representatives (HR) Senate (S) How a Bill Becomes a Law Bill can start in either house Except a money bill(taxing/ spending)those must start in the HR. House of Representatives (HR) Senate (S) 1. Bill is Introduced Read into the record and assigned a # 1. Bill is Introduced Read into the record and assigned a # 2. Assigned to a committee Hold hearings, conduct investigations, committee writes a report and votes on the bill. 2. Assigned to a committee Hold hearings, conduct investigations, committee writes a report and votes on the bill. 4. Conference Committee Re-write the bill so the language is the same form both houses 3. Floor debate and vote 51% to pass 218/435 3. Floor debate and vote 51% to pass 51/100 5. Final Vote- 51% to pass both houses 7. President can stop the bill by vetoing it. Congress can override the President’s veto by a 2/3 vote, (HR-290/435 and S-67/100) in each house of Congress. 6. The President signs the bill. Goes to the President 8. Bill becomes a Law

“Checks and Balances”- Text p. 281 Congress 1. Override the President’s veto 2. Impeachment- House of Reps. Brings charges and the Senate holds a trial 3. The Senate ratifies treaties made by the President 4. Senate confirms presidential appointments to the Federal Courts, ambassadors, positions in the executive branch and cabinet Confirms appointments Establish new courts Impeach justices/ judges Pass an amendment to the Constitution White House Supreme Court Building

“Checks and Balances”- Text p. 281 White House Pres. Can appoint justices 2. Pres. can pardon criminals Veto a bill Call Congress into a special session 3. Propose laws Congress Supreme Court Building

“Checks and Balances”- Text p. 281 Supreme Court 1. Judicial Review- can declare laws made by Congress unconstitutional. Judicial Review- declare actions of the President unconstitutional White House Congress

“Checks and Balances”- Text p. 281 Supreme Court 1. Judicial Review- can declare laws made by Congress unconstitutional. Judicial Review- declare actions of the President unconstitutional Amendment Process- The only way Congress, or the President can to get around Judicial Review is to add an amendment to the Constitution. The Constitution provides that an amendment may be proposed either by the Congress with a two-thirds majority vote in both the House of Representatives and the Senate or by a constitutional convention called for by two-thirds of the State legislatures.  A proposed amendment becomes part of the Constitution as soon as it is ratified by three-fourths of the States (38 of 50 States).   White House Congress