How a Bill Becomes a Law

How a Bill Becomes a Law

“The duty of the legislative branch is to make the laws. Congress is the only branch of the U.S. government that existed prior to the Constitution” ~ Linda Monk, The Words We Live By

“As good government is an empire of laws, how shall your laws be made? In a large society, inhabiting an extensive country, it is impossible that the whole should assemble to make laws. The first necessary step, then, is to depute power from the many to a few of the most wise and good.” ~ John Adams

“Laws too gentle are seldom obeyed; too severe, seldom executed.” ~ Ben Franklin

Types of Bills & Resolutions • private bills • deals w/ individual people or places

public bills • deals with general matters • applies to the entire nation

Resolutions • simple resolution – affects only 1 house • addresses procedural rules

joint resolution – passed by both houses • a device for proposing constitutional amendments or other matters • has the force of law

concurrent resolutions – requires attention from both houses • no law is needed • riders – provision on a subject other than what is covered in a bill

Introducing a Bill • bills are proposed • committee action • committee hearings • reporting a bill

Floor Action • debating & amending bills • voting on bills

Final Steps • Conference Committee Action

Presidential Action • signs & makes official • veto • line-item veto • congressional override of a veto

Taxing & Spending Bills • House’s power • Revenue bills must be initiated in the House • Ways and Means Committee

Senate’s power • amendments • appropriating money • authorization bills • appropriations bills

How a Bill Becomes a Law