18. Describe the process of making a law.
(1 mark)
Answers
Steps in Making a Law
1 A bill can be introduced in either chamber of Congress by a senator or representative who sponsors it.
2 Once a bill is introduced, it is assigned to a committee whose members will research, discuss, and make changes to the bill.
The bill is then put before that chamber to be voted on.
3 If the bill passes one body of Congress, it goes to the other body to go through a similar process of research, discussion, changes, and voting.
Once both bodies vote to accept a bill, they must work out any differences between the two versions. Then both chambers vote on the same exact bill and, if it passes, they present it to the president.
4 The president then considers the bill. The president can approve the bill and sign it into law or not approve (veto) a bill.
5 If the president chooses to veto a bill, in most cases Congress can vote to override that veto and the bill becomes a law. But, if the president pocket vetoes a bill after Congress has adjourned, the veto cannot be overridden.