Podcast
Questions and Answers
Why do we need laws?
Why do we need laws?
Laws help to keep our society orderly and to keep us safe and protect our rights.
What is the national government?
What is the national government?
Makes laws for our country. These laws are made in Congress.
What is Congress?
What is Congress?
Congress is where national laws are made. It has 2 parts: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
What are the two parts of Congress?
What are the two parts of Congress?
How many members does Congress have?
How many members does Congress have?
What happens when an idea for a law is presented?
What happens when an idea for a law is presented?
What is a bill?
What is a bill?
What are the paths that a bill can take?
What are the paths that a bill can take?
What does it mean when a bill gets tabled?
What does it mean when a bill gets tabled?
What is a small group of senators that look over a bill called?
What is a small group of senators that look over a bill called?
When a bill starts in the Senate, what does the number of the bill start with?
When a bill starts in the Senate, what does the number of the bill start with?
When the small group of senators talk to people about a bill, what is this called?
When the small group of senators talk to people about a bill, what is this called?
A bill that is sent for a vote is put on a?
A bill that is sent for a vote is put on a?
When the bill comes up for a vote on the calendar, what do the senators do?
When the bill comes up for a vote on the calendar, what do the senators do?
How many senators have to vote yes for a bill to go to the House of Representatives?
How many senators have to vote yes for a bill to go to the House of Representatives?
What happens when a bill starts in the House?
What happens when a bill starts in the House?
How many members of the House have to vote yes for a bill in the House to pass?
How many members of the House have to vote yes for a bill in the House to pass?
Who does an approved bill go to?
Who does an approved bill go to?
How many days does the President have to look over the bill?
How many days does the President have to look over the bill?
What happens if the President signs the bill?
What happens if the President signs the bill?
Can a bill become a law without the President's signature?
Can a bill become a law without the President's signature?
Can the President reject a bill?
Can the President reject a bill?
What is it called when the President rejects a bill?
What is it called when the President rejects a bill?
What happens when the President vetoes a bill?
What happens when the President vetoes a bill?
If the President vetoes a bill, what can Congress do to still make it a law?
If the President vetoes a bill, what can Congress do to still make it a law?
Why do we have a special way for making rules?
Why do we have a special way for making rules?
Study Notes
Importance of Laws
- Laws maintain societal order and ensure safety.
- They protect individual rights and freedoms.
National Government
- Responsible for creating laws for the country.
- Law-making occurs within Congress.
Congress Overview
- Congress is divided into two chambers: the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Composition of Congress
- Senate comprises 100 members.
- House of Representatives consists of 435 members.
Bill Creation Process
- An idea for a law must gain support from Congress to become a bill.
- The bill can originate from either the Senate or the House.
Steps for a Bill Starting in the Senate
- The bill is written and assigned a special name beginning with 'S'.
- All senators receive a copy.
- A committee examines the bill, leading discussions called hearings.
- The committee may amend the bill or table it (delay voting).
Voting Process
- A bill put to vote is placed on a calendar.
- At least 51 senators must approve the bill for it to progress to the House.
Bill Process in the House
- Similar steps apply; all representatives receive a bill copy.
- A committee reviews, can table, or send it for a vote.
- More than half of members voting yes is required for passage in the House.
Presidential Review
- An approved bill is sent to the President.
- The President has 10 days to review the bill.
- If signed, it becomes law.
Presidential Veto
- A bill can become a law without the President's signature if Congress is in session for 10 days.
- The President can reject a bill through a veto.
- A vetoed bill returns to Congress and can still become law if two-thirds in both houses vote yes (override).
Legislative Process Rationale
- A structured process for rule-making exists to safeguard citizens' interests.
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Description
This quiz covers fundamental concepts about the need for laws, the structure of the national government, and the role of Congress. Explore how laws maintain order and safeguard rights in society. Ideal for understanding the basics of government and legal systems.
