How a Bill Becomes a Law
Where does a bill start?
Congress
(It can start in either the House of Representatives or the Senate.)
What is a “bill”?
A proposed law.
What is the Bill of Rights?
The first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
Which amendment protects the freedoms of speech, religion, press, and to peacefully protest?
The First Amendment
Police search your home without a warrant. Which right is involved?
The Fourth Amendment -- Forbids unreasonable Search and Seizure.
What must both the House and Senate do to a bill?
Pass it.
What does “veto” mean?
To reject a bill.
How many amendments are in the Bill of Rights?
10
What does the Second Amendment protect?
The right to bear arms.
You are arrested and denied a lawyer. Which right is violated?
The Sixth Amendment -- Right to a Speedy Trial, Impartial Jury, and Representation by an Attorney.
After Congress passes a bill, who decides to sign or reject it?
The President
What is a “majority vote”?
More than half of votes.
What do the amendments protect?
Individual rights and freedoms
Which amendment protects against unreasonable search and seizure?
The Fourth Amendment
A student is punished for speaking their opinion. Which right applies?
The First Amendment -- Freedom of Speech
What is it called when the president rejects a bill?
Veto
What is a “committee”?
A group in Congress that reviews bills.
Why was the Bill of Rights added?
To protect citizens from government abuse
Which amendment gives the right to a fair, speedy trial with an impartial jury and the representation of a attorney?
The Sixth Amendment
Someone is given an extremely harsh punishment for a small crime. Which amendment applies?
The Eighth Amendment -- No Excessive Fines or Cruel and Unusual Punishment.
What happens if the president signs a bill?
It becomes a law.
How can Congress "override" a presidential veto?
The House of Representatives and the Senate both must pass it by a 2/3 majority of those present (this is very rare).
What document are the amendments part of?
The Constitution.
What rights does the Fifth Amendment protect?
The rights to Due Process, protection against Double Jeopardy and Self-Incrimination.
A person is forced to testify against themselves. Which right applies?
The Fifth Amendment -- Right to Due Process, and protection against Double Jeopardy and Self-Incrimination.