Introducing a Bill
Who introduces a bill in the US Congress?
a member of Congress
What is a standing committee?
a group of lawmakers who study and review bills
What is the House calendar?
a schedule of when bills will be discussed
What happens if a bill passes in one house of Congress?
it goes to the other house to be reviewed and voted on
Who receives the bill after both houses approve it?
the president
What happens when a bill is given letters and a number?
it's officially identified and recorded
Why is a bill sent to a standing committee?
so experts can study it and decide what should happen next
What happens when a bill goes to the floor?
lawmakers debate and may change it
What is the US Senate?
the second chamber of Congress that also reviews and votes on bills
What can the president do with a bill?
sign it or veto it
Where is the bill printed after it gets its number?
in the official government record for Congress
What happens during committee hearing?
people speak for or against the bill and share opinions or facts
Who votes on the bill in the US House of Representatives?
All House members
Why might the two houses disagree on a bill?
may pass different versions of it
it becomes a law
What is a bill?
an idea for a new law
What are three things a committee can do to a bill?
accept, reject, or change it
What does it mean to amend a bill?
to change or add something to it
What does a conference committee do?
It works out differences between the two versions of a bill
What is the final step for most bills to become a law?
the president signs them
Why does Congress make laws?
to create rules and solve problems for the country
What happens if a bill is rejected in committee?
it usually does not move forward
Why is debate important before voting on a bill?
it lets lawmakers share ideas and opinions
What happens after both houses agree on the same version?
the bill moves to the president
What is the main goal of lawmaking process?
to turn idea into official laws for the country