Step 1: An idea: A citizen, group or lawmaker has an idea for a law
Step 2: Sponsor: A member of Congress agrees to introduce the bill
Step 3: Introduction: The bill is introduced in the House or the Senate and given a number
Step 4: Committee: A small group of members studies the bill
Step 5: Hearings: Committees listen to experts and the public
Step 6: Markup: The committee debates and may change the bill
Step 7: Committee vote: If the committee approves, the bill goes to the full chamber
Step 8: Floor debate: All members of that chamber discuss and may amend the bill
Step 9: Vote: A majority must vote yes for the bill to pass that chamber
Step 10: Other chamber: The bill goes through the same process in the other chamber
Step 11: Conference committee: If versions differ, members from both chambers work out one version
Step 12: Final vote: Both chambers must pass the same version
Step 13: President: The bill goes to the president
President signs: The bill becomes law
President vetoes: The bill is rejected and sent back to Congress
Veto override: Two-thirds of both houses can pass it anyway
Pocket veto: If Congress adjourns and the president does not sign within ten days, the bill dies
No action by president: After ten days (not counting Sundays) it becomes law if Congress is in session
Bill: A proposed law
Sponsor: The lawmaker who introduces a bill
Cosponsor: A lawmaker who joins in supporting a bill
Act: A bill that has passed both houses
Statute: A law passed by a legislature
Committee: A smaller group of lawmakers who study certain subjects
Subcommittee: A smaller group within a committee
Hearing: A meeting where experts and citizens give opinions on a bill
Amendment (to a bill): A change proposed to the text of a bill
Floor: The main meeting space where all members debate and vote
Majority: More than half of the votes
Quorum: Number of members needed to hold a vote
Roll call vote: A vote where each member's answer is recorded
Voice vote: Members shout yes or no and the presiding officer decides
Filibuster: Long speeches used to delay a Senate vote
Cloture: A Senate vote to end debate; needs three-fifths (60) of senators
Conference committee: House and Senate members who combine different versions of a bill
Revenue bills: Bills for raising money must begin in the House
Who can introduce a bill?: Only members of Congress, though anyone can suggest an idea
Where do bills start?: In either the House or Senate, except revenue bills
Rider: An unrelated provision added to a bill
Omnibus bill: A very large bill that covers many topics
Appropriations: Bills that provide money for government programs
Resolution: A statement of Congress's opinion that does not become law
Joint resolution: Passed by both houses and signed by the president; has the force of law
Public law: A law that applies to everyone
Private law: A law that applies to a specific person or group
Federal Register: Daily publication of rules and notices from federal agencies
Regulations: Detailed rules made by agencies to carry out laws
Constituent: A voter represented by a lawmaker; they can contact their representatives
How you can help: Contact lawmakers, vote, testify at hearings, join groups or write letters
Congress.gov: Official website to follow bills
Law enforcement: Executive branch carries out the laws
Courts and laws: Courts interpret laws and can strike them down if unconstitutional
State laws: State legislatures follow similar steps, with a governor signing instead of the president
Local laws (ordinances): Passed by city or county councils
Three readings: Many legislatures read a bill several times before passing it
Enacted: Officially made into law
Supermajority: A vote higher than a simple majority, like two-thirds
Simple majority: Half plus one of those voting
Tie vote in the Senate: The vice president casts the deciding vote
Bill number: H.R. means a House bill; S. means a Senate bill

Free flashcards from Peabody at peabody.kids/flashcards/how-a-bill-becomes-a-law