1. United States Constitution Exam Preparation
How a Bill Becomes a Law…

2. Targets of this Slideshow…
At the end of this slide presentation, I can…
Describe the details of the Congressional role in the lawmaking process
Describe the details of the Presidential Role in the lawmaking Process

3. Lawmaking Process
Outlined in Article One, Section 7 of the US Constitution
Bills dealing with Money must begin in the House of Representatives
Each House of Congress has rules on the lawmaking procedure in their respective chambers.

4. Lawmaking Process – STEP 1
Most bill must pass by majority vote
House Committee
Senate Committee
Conference Committee
Whole House
Whole Senate

5. Lawmaking Process – STEP 1
Committees – Handle specific items:
Agriculture
Budget
Ethics
Finance
Judiciary
Natural Resources
Rules
Appropriations
Ways & Means
Transportation
Homeland Security
Science, Space & Technology
Small Business
Foreign Affairs
Indian Affairs
Intelligence
Veterans’ Affairs
…are some examples

6. Lawmaking Process – STEP 2
Presidential Involvement
2/3
Override
Congress
President
Sign It
Becomes
Law!
Pocket
Veto
10 days
(Excluding Sundays)
Veto It
Sent Back to
Congress

7. Lawmaking Process – STEP 2
Override Veto
2/3 Vote by Congress
Automatically Becomes Law
Pocket Veto
If, after 10 days (excluding Sundays) the President takes no action on a bill…
If Congress is IN Session – Automatically Law
If Congress is NOT IN Session – Bill Dies

8. End of Slide Presentation