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How a Bill Becomes a Law

The steps from an idea to a federal law, in order, with the key words.

60 cardsGrades 3–5, Grades 6–8#bill#law#congress#legislation

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60 cards
  • Step 1: An ideaStep or term
    A citizen, group or lawmaker has an idea for a law
  • Step 2: SponsorStep or term
    A member of Congress agrees to introduce the bill
  • Step 3: IntroductionStep or term
    The bill is introduced in the House or the Senate and given a number
  • Step 4: CommitteeStep or term
    A small group of members studies the bill
  • Step 5: HearingsStep or term
    Committees listen to experts and the public
  • Step 6: MarkupStep or term
    The committee debates and may change the bill
  • Step 7: Committee voteStep or term
    If the committee approves, the bill goes to the full chamber
  • Step 8: Floor debateStep or term
    All members of that chamber discuss and may amend the bill
  • Step 9: VoteStep or term
    A majority must vote yes for the bill to pass that chamber
  • Step 10: Other chamberStep or term
    The bill goes through the same process in the other chamber
  • Step 11: Conference committeeStep or term
    If versions differ, members from both chambers work out one version
  • Step 12: Final voteStep or term
    Both chambers must pass the same version
  • Step 13: PresidentStep or term
    The bill goes to the president
  • President signsStep or term
    The bill becomes law
  • President vetoesStep or term
    The bill is rejected and sent back to Congress
  • Veto overrideStep or term
    Two-thirds of both houses can pass it anyway
  • Pocket vetoStep or term
    If Congress adjourns and the president does not sign within ten days, the bill dies
  • No action by presidentStep or term
    After ten days (not counting Sundays) it becomes law if Congress is in session
  • BillStep or term
    A proposed law
  • SponsorStep or term
    The lawmaker who introduces a bill
  • CosponsorStep or term
    A lawmaker who joins in supporting a bill
  • ActStep or term
    A bill that has passed both houses
  • StatuteStep or term
    A law passed by a legislature
  • CommitteeStep or term
    A smaller group of lawmakers who study certain subjects
  • SubcommitteeStep or term
    A smaller group within a committee
  • HearingStep or term
    A meeting where experts and citizens give opinions on a bill
  • Amendment (to a bill)Step or term
    A change proposed to the text of a bill
  • FloorStep or term
    The main meeting space where all members debate and vote
  • MajorityStep or term
    More than half of the votes
  • QuorumStep or term
    Number of members needed to hold a vote
  • Roll call voteStep or term
    A vote where each member's answer is recorded
  • Voice voteStep or term
    Members shout yes or no and the presiding officer decides
  • FilibusterStep or term
    Long speeches used to delay a Senate vote
  • ClotureStep or term
    A Senate vote to end debate; needs three-fifths (60) of senators
  • Conference committeeStep or term
    House and Senate members who combine different versions of a bill
  • Revenue billsStep or term
    Bills for raising money must begin in the House
  • Who can introduce a bill?Step or term
    Only members of Congress, though anyone can suggest an idea
  • Where do bills start?Step or term
    In either the House or Senate, except revenue bills
  • RiderStep or term
    An unrelated provision added to a bill
  • Omnibus billStep or term
    A very large bill that covers many topics
  • AppropriationsStep or term
    Bills that provide money for government programs
  • ResolutionStep or term
    A statement of Congress's opinion that does not become law
  • Joint resolutionStep or term
    Passed by both houses and signed by the president; has the force of law
  • Public lawStep or term
    A law that applies to everyone
  • Private lawStep or term
    A law that applies to a specific person or group
  • Federal RegisterStep or term
    Daily publication of rules and notices from federal agencies
  • RegulationsStep or term
    Detailed rules made by agencies to carry out laws
  • ConstituentStep or term
    A voter represented by a lawmaker; they can contact their representatives
  • How you can helpStep or term
    Contact lawmakers, vote, testify at hearings, join groups or write letters
  • Congress.govStep or term
    Official website to follow bills
  • Law enforcementStep or term
    Executive branch carries out the laws
  • Courts and lawsStep or term
    Courts interpret laws and can strike them down if unconstitutional
  • State lawsStep or term
    State legislatures follow similar steps, with a governor signing instead of the president
  • Local laws (ordinances)Step or term
    Passed by city or county councils
  • Three readingsStep or term
    Many legislatures read a bill several times before passing it
  • EnactedStep or term
    Officially made into law
  • SupermajorityStep or term
    A vote higher than a simple majority, like two-thirds
  • Simple majorityStep or term
    Half plus one of those voting
  • Tie vote in the SenateStep or term
    The vice president casts the deciding vote
  • Bill numberStep or term
    H.R. means a House bill; S. means a Senate bill

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