How a Bill Becomes a Law: The House

Study Notes

Introduction to Legislation Process

All bills are introduced in Congress by congressmen, who represent the legislative body.
A bill is a proposed law aimed at addressing issues or making changes in existing laws.

Types of Resolutions

A resolution deals with matters concerning the House or expresses the opinion of its members.
A joint resolution has the force of law and is used to address significant issues requiring legislative action.
A concurrent resolution is a legislative measure in which both the House and Senate act together.

Bill Processing Steps

At first reading, the clerk numbers, names, and summarizes the bill, then records it in the journal.
Committees have several courses of action for a bill: they can report it as favorable or unfavorable, rewrite it, amend it, or refuse to act on it.

Voting Procedures

There are two types of votes in the Senate and the House: voice votes allow members to vote verbally, while roll call votes require each member to be named and counted.

Final Steps After Passage

Once a bill is passed and signed by the Speaker, it is sent to the Senate President for further consideration.

Additional Concepts

A rider is a provision added to a bill that is likely to pass, often unrelated to the bill's main subject.
A quorum, representing a majority of members, is necessary for an official vote to take place.
The committee of the whole is a procedural device that allows the House to expedite business on the floor.

Description

This quiz focuses on the legislative process, specifically how a bill is introduced and progresses through Congress. It's designed to help students understand key terms and concepts related to the House of Representatives and the laws they create. Perfect for students studying American government and civics.