This document outlines the process for how a bill becomes a law in the United States. It discusses how bills can be introduced in the House or Senate, must pass both chambers, and then be approved by the President. It details the committee process in each chamber, opportunities for amendments, floor debates and votes needed for passage. If changes are made in the second chamber, a joint committee is formed to settle differences before the final bill can be sent to the President for approval or veto.

1. DO NOW
 Recall three powers Congress is given from the Jigsaw
yesterday.

2. Agenda
1. Do Now
2. How a Bill Becomes a Law Notes
3. How a Bill Becomes a Law Comic

3. Competency
 Students will demonstrate an understanding of how the
Congress is organized and will be able to demonstrate
an understanding of how a bill becomes a law.

4. Objectives
 SWBAT create a comic strip that accurately portrays
the process a bill takes to become a law.

5. How a Bill Becomes a Law
 A bill is a proposed law.
 Bills can be introduced in
either house unless..
 Appropriation Bill- bill
approving raising of money
(must begin in the House!)
 Each bill must pass in the
House and the Senate then be
approved by the President
 A law is also known as an
act.

6. Sources of Legislation
 U.S. citizens
 organized groups
 congressional
committees
 members of congress
 President.

7. The House and the Senate
Consider the Bill
 Bill is introduced
 Bill is sent to a standing
committee.
 Bill can be sent to a
subcommittee or may die
during consideration
 Committee hearings are held
where people argue for or
against the bill
 The bill may be changed
rejected or accepted as is.

8. The House Acts on a Bill
 Committee recommends bill- bill reported out of committee
 Bill is placed on House Calendar
 Speaker chooses when or if a bill will be debated
 House Rules Committee decides how long to debate
 Committee of the Whole considers amendments
 House votes on bill- needs a majority to pass
 Roll-call- each members name is called and a record of their vote is taken
 If the Bill passes it is sent to Senate

9. The Senate Acts on a Bill
 Same process as House- must go through committees
 No limit on debate or speeches
 “talking the bill to death”- filibuster
 3/5ths of full Senate must vote for debate to end and
vote on the bill- cloture
 Sent to the House if started in Senate

10. Joint Committee
 Conference Committee- compromises on differences in
bills passed in Senate and House (joint committee)
 Compromises must be approved by both houses

11. The President Acts on the
Bill
1. Sign bill and declare it law
2. Veto- tells congress why he rejects it
3. Pocket Veto- 10 day period with congress out of
session.
 Congress can overturn veto by a 2/3rds vote in both
houses