Understanding Laws and Government

Questions and Answers

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?

Makes laws for our country. These laws are made in 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?

Senate and the House of Representatives. Signup and view all the answers

How many members does Congress have?

Congress has two parts: the Senate has 100 members and the House has 435 members. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when an idea for a law is presented?

It must be backed by Congress. If agreed upon, the idea becomes a bill. Signup and view all the answers

What is a bill?

A bill is an idea that gets passed into law by Congress. Signup and view all the answers

What are the paths that a bill can take?

Senate or the House. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when a bill gets tabled?

It doesn't get a vote. Signup and view all the answers

What is a small group of senators that look over a bill called?

Committee. Signup and view all the answers

When a bill starts in the Senate, what does the number of the bill start with?

S for Senate. Signup and view all the answers

When the small group of senators talk to people about a bill, what is this called?

Hearings. Signup and view all the answers

A bill that is sent for a vote is put on a?

Calendar. Signup and view all the answers

When the bill comes up for a vote on the calendar, what do the senators do?

The senators vote for or against the bill; if at least 51 senators vote yes, the bill goes to the House. Signup and view all the answers

How many senators have to vote yes for a bill to go to the House of Representatives?

51 senators. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when a bill starts in the House?

All representatives get a copy; a committee looks at the bill; the committee can table the bill. Signup and view all the answers

How many members of the House have to vote yes for a bill in the House to pass?

More than half. Signup and view all the answers

Who does an approved bill go to?

The President. Signup and view all the answers

How many days does the President have to look over the bill?

10 days. Signup and view all the answers

What happens if the President signs the bill?

It becomes a law. Signup and view all the answers

Can a bill become a law without the President's signature?

True Signup and view all the answers

Can the President reject a bill?

True Signup and view all the answers

What is it called when the President rejects a bill?

Veto. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the President vetoes a bill?

It is sent back to Congress; the bill can still become a law but requires 2/3 of both houses to vote yes. Signup and view all the answers

If the President vetoes a bill, what can Congress do to still make it a law?

Congress can override the President but this is hard to do because it requires 2/3 of both houses to vote yes. Signup and view all the answers

Why do we have a special way for making rules?

To protect us. Signup and view all the answers

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.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

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.