How a Bill Becomes a Law

If the President does not approve a bill, what can Congress do to make that bill become a law?

What happens to a bill when it is given to the President and the President does not act on the bill within ten days?

What type of bill must originate in the House of Representatives?

What happens to a bill if the House of Representatives and Senate pass different versions of the bill?

What must happen to a bill after it is introduced in a house of Congress and before it is voted on by that house?

How a Bill Becomes a Law

If the President vetoes a bill, it returns to Congress; a two-thirds majority in both houses can override the veto, allowing the bill to become law.

Presidential Inaction on Bills

If the President does not act on a bill within ten days while Congress is in session, it is treated as signed and becomes law.
If Congress is adjourned when the ten days pass, the bill is effectively vetoed and does not become law.

Revenue Bills Origination

Bills aimed at raising revenue are mandated to originate solely in the House of Representatives.
The Senate has the authority to suggest amendments to these revenue bills.

Different Versions of a Bill

When the House of Representatives and Senate approve different versions of the same bill, the differing versions are sent to a conference committee.
The conference committee reconciles the differences to create a single unified version of the bill.

Steps Before Voting on a Bill

After a bill is introduced in either house of Congress, it must be reviewed and agreed upon by both standing committees and subcommittees.
Approval from the entire house is also required before the bill can be voted on.

This quiz explores the complex process of how a bill is transformed into law in the United States. It covers aspects such as presidential vetoes, revenue bill origination, and the reconciliation of different versions of a bill. Test your understanding of this fundamental legislative process.