HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW

A bill is basically an ________ created by somebody - either in the Legislature or in public A bill becomes a law when the _______________ signs it. _______________ (a bill) must be passed by both houses of Congress. IDEA PRESIDENT LEGISLATION

The ________________ can ________ (reject) bills. ________________ can then _________ or overturn the veto. PRESIDENT VETO CONGRESS OVERRIDE

Steps in Lawmaking 1) A bill is __________________ in Congress. It can be in either house. In the House, is it given to a _______. In the Senate, a bill is introduced by a _____________. After being introduced, the bill goes to a _______________________. INTRODUCED CLERK SENATOR SUBCOMMITTEE

2) A _____________ decides what to do COMMITTEE 2) A _____________ decides what to do A __________________ reports to a full committee The committee “tables”, _________ or sends the bill to the full house of Congress SUBCOMMITTEE REJECTS

3) A bill is ____________ and _______ on DISCUSSED VOTED 3) A bill is ____________ and _______ on __________ is usually limited to one hour in the House. There is no such limit in the Senate. During this stage, __________________ (changes) may be made. Votes are made on each change as well. DEBATE AMENDMENTS

A vote is taken. If a _______________ of the members vote “no”, the bill dies. If it votes “yes” the bill goes to the other house for review A bill is sent to the other house for ________________ review and vote. A bill will go through the committee process again. The bill is voted on once more. MAJORITY COMMITTEE

5) A bill is ____________ by BOTH houses of Congress APPROVED 5) A bill is ____________ by BOTH houses of Congress ____________ may be made at this stage. A _________________ committee, made up of members from ____________ houses, suggest changes and work out the problems. CHANGES CONFERENCE BOTH

The bill returns to both houses for a ________. A bill that __________ is sent to the President VOTE PASSES

6) The ________________ acts! Can do 1 of 4 things: PRESIDENT 6) The ________________ acts! Can do 1 of 4 things: a) _________ the bill – it becomes law! b) do ______________ - it will become law in 10 days if Congress is in session c) ________ the bill – the bill “dies” unless Congress votes to override it! SIGNS NOTHING VETO

d) ________ the bill – Congress ends its session and the bill eventually dies (less than 10 days left in session) – this is known as a _____________ veto HOLD POCKET

2/3 7) If the bill is vetoed, there is a ________ given as to why the veto has taken place _________________ then can try and override the President It takes a _________ vote in BOTH houses! The bill then would become _______!!! REPORT CONGRESS 2/3 LAW