How a Bill Becomes A Law

Introduction Article 1, Section 7 All laws begin as a bill Details the process by which a bill becomes a law. All laws begin as a bill A bill is a proposed law All bills have a sponsor or sponsors This is/are the individual(s) that introduce the bill If a bill has several co-sponsors it is an indication that the bill has wide spread support

Types of Bills Public and Private Public Means that it deals with a large group of individuals Social security, drug control, federal highways Private means that it deals with a individual Honoring a person for service to the country, granting of citizenship

Introducing a Bill & the Process Contact your representatives Read about bills and votes www.congress.org Format of a Bill http://thomas.loc.gov/

Ways President can deal with a bill Becomes law simple signature does not sign or veto it for 10 days and Congress is in session Goes back to Congress veto by writing veto on bill veto by not signing it within 10 days with Congress adjourned Pocket Veto

Three Types of Resolution Simple Resolutions needs the opinion of one chamber Concurrent Resolution a rule change; both houses must pass; no president signature Joint Resolution both houses must pass; with President’s signature

Other facts about Section 7 Money/revenue bills must start in the House If President vetoes a bill he must send it back to the original house of Congress with his written objections President’s veto power is a check on Congress’ power Congress’ power to pass a bill over the President’s veto is a check on the President’s power.

Time to review, listen carefully!!!!