The Basics of Lawmaking
What is a bill?
A proposed law
Who signs a bill into law?
The President
What is the first step in making a law?
A member of Congress introduces the bill
What is Lobbying?
Trying to persuade lawmakers to support or oppose a law.
What does the Speaker of the House do?
The Speaker of the House runs meetings and helps decide which bills are discussed.
What are the two houses of Congress?
House of Representatives and the Senate
What can the President do if they disagree with the a bill?
What happens after a bill is introduced?
It’s sent to a committee to be studied and possibly changed
What is a PAC?
A group that collects money from people or organizations to help candidates get elected.
Who is President of the Senate?
The Vice President
Who can introduce a bill?
Any member of Congress
How can Congress override a veto?
With a two-thirds vote in both houses
What happens if the committee approves the bill?
It goes to the floor of the House or Senate for debate and a vote.
What is an interest group?
A group of people who work together to support or oppose certain issues or laws.
What does the Majority Leader do?
They set the legislative agenda and help guide their party’s bills through Congress.
What happens during a "floor vote"?
All members of a chamber debate and vote to approve or reject the bill
What is a "united" government?
What must happen before a bill goes to the President?
Both the House and Senate must pass the same version of the bill.
What is the difference between a PAC and a Super PAC?
Super PACS can raise unlimited money but cannot donate directly to candidates
What is the role of a whip in Congress?
To ensure party members vote with the party
What is the "conference committee''?
The conference committee is made up of the top members of each house
How does a divided government make it harder to pass laws?
A divided government causes conflict and slows down lawmaking
What are the President’s two main options once a bill reaches their desk?
The President can sign the bill into law or veto it.
What was the Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission decision about?
Political spending is protected as free speech
Why does it matter which party holds the majority in each house?
The majority party controls leadership positions, committees, and which bills move forward.