Chapter 5 Section 4

Where do ideas come from? Anywhere US citizens, organized groups, congressional committees, members of Congress, the President

How many? Thousands In 2008, over 14,000 pieces of legislation were introduced

How many become law? Only a few dozen Most laws passed the citizens never hear about

Who must sponsor a bill? Any member of the House or Senate It is formally written and placed in the hopper Formally introduced by the Speaker or President Pro Tempore

Work of a committee? Review the bill Send to sub-committee Hearings to hear testimony about the bill Recommend if it should be accepted, rejected (pigeonholed), or changed

Filibuster The act of continuously speaking in the Senate in an effort to kill a bill

How can Congress vote? Voice vote Roll Call vote Secret Ballot

Sign it It becomes law

Veto Sent back to Congress They can choose to override veto by a 2/3 vote

Approval by Inaction If Congress is in session and the President doesn’t take action for 10 days, it becomes law

Pocket Veto If Congress is out of session and the President does nothing for 10 days, the bill does not become law

Override A 2/3 vote of both houses of Congress