How a Bill Becomes Law: The Legislative Process Explained

Understanding how laws are made helps you appreciate American democracy. The process involves Congress and the President working together—or sometimes in tension. This is important knowledge for your citizenship test.

Who Makes Federal Laws?

Congress makes federal laws. This is one of the most common citizenship test questions.

Congress has two parts: - The Senate — 100 members (2 per state) - The House of Representatives — 435 members (based on state population)

Both must agree for a bill to become law.

The Journey of a Bill

Step 1: Introduction

Any member of Congress can introduce a bill. Ideas for laws come from: - Members of Congress - The President - Citizens and advocacy groups - State and local governments

A Representative introduces bills in the House. A Senator introduces bills in the Senate.

Step 2: Committee Review

Once introduced, a bill goes to a committee that specializes in that topic. For example: - Tax bills go to the Ways and Means Committee - Military bills go to the Armed Services Committee

The committee: - Studies the bill - Holds hearings - Makes changes - Votes on whether to send it forward

Most bills never make it past committee.

Step 3: Floor Debate and Vote

If a committee approves a bill, it goes to the full House or Senate for debate. Members: - Discuss the bill's merits - Propose amendments - Vote yes or no

The bill needs a majority vote to pass.

Step 4: The Other Chamber

After passing one chamber, the bill goes to the other. The Senate and House must pass the same version of the bill.

If they pass different versions, a conference committee works out the differences. Then both chambers vote again on the final version.

Step 5: Presidential Action

Once both chambers pass the same bill, it goes to the President. The President can:

Sign the bill — It becomes law

Veto the bill — It goes back to Congress with the President's objections

Do nothing for 10 days — If Congress is in session, it becomes law. If Congress has adjourned, the bill dies (called a "pocket veto").

Step 6: Override (If Vetoed)

If the President vetoes a bill, Congress can override the veto. This requires a two-thirds vote in both the House and Senate.

Overrides are rare because getting two-thirds agreement is difficult.

Test Questions About Law-Making

Q: Who makes federal laws? A: Congress

Q: What does Congress do? A: Makes laws

Q: What are the two parts of the U.S. Congress? A: The Senate and the House of Representatives

Q: Who signs bills into law? A: The President

Q: What does the President's Cabinet do? A: Advises the President (not makes laws—that's Congress)

Q: If the President vetoes a bill, what can Congress do? A: Override the veto with a two-thirds vote

Why This System Exists

The Founders made law-making deliberately difficult. They wanted:

• Careful consideration — Bills must survive many steps
• Broad agreement — Both chambers and the President usually agree
• Protection against hasty action — Time for debate and public input

This process means laws reflect significant consensus, not momentary passions.

Checks and Balances in Action

The law-making process demonstrates checks and balances:

Each branch can check the others, preventing any one from dominating.

Common Confusions

Congress vs. the President - Congress makes laws - The President enforces laws - The President can veto, but doesn't write laws

House vs. Senate - Both vote on bills - Both must pass the same version - They are equal partners in law-making

State vs. Federal Laws - Congress makes federal laws (apply nationwide) - State legislatures make state laws (apply in that state only) - The citizenship test focuses on federal law-making

Visualizing the Process

Bill introduced in House or Senate
           ↓
Committee review and vote
           ↓
Full chamber debate and vote
           ↓
Same process in other chamber
           ↓
Both chambers pass same version
           ↓
President signs → Becomes LAW
    or
President vetoes → Back to Congress
           ↓
Congress can override with 2/3 vote

Why This Matters to You

As a citizen, you can: - Contact your Representative and Senators about bills - Vote for members of Congress who share your values - Advocate for laws you believe in - Participate in public comment periods

Understanding how laws are made helps you participate effectively in democracy.

Practice and Review

Focus on these key points: 1. Congress makes laws — Not the President 2. Both chambers must agree — Senate and House 3. President signs or vetoes — Final step before becoming law 4. Two-thirds override — How Congress can pass laws without presidential approval

The more you understand this process, the better prepared you'll be for questions about American government.