How a Bill Becomes a Law

Front

In order to divide the work, Congress organizes itself into

Back

committees

Answer explanation

Congress organizes itself into committees to divide the work effectively. Committees focus on specific areas, allowing for detailed examination and efficient handling of legislation, unlike houses or parties.

Front

The ability of the president to reject a bill is called a(n)

Back

veto

Answer explanation

The ability of the president to reject a bill is called a veto. This power allows the president to prevent legislation from becoming law, distinguishing it from other terms like rejection, conference, or pigeonhole.

Front

Only a ________________ can introduce a bill in Congress.

Back

member of Congress

Answer explanation

Only a member of Congress can introduce a bill in Congress. This includes both Senators and Representatives, but the term 'member of Congress' encompasses all individuals in that legislative body.

Front

A bill must pass through a _____________ before it can be voted on by the entire House or Senate.

Back

committee

Answer explanation

A bill must pass through a committee before it can be voted on by the entire House or Senate. Committees review, amend, and decide whether to advance the bill for a full vote.

Front

Only members of the _________________ can use a filibuster to try and stop a bill from passing by talking it to death.

Back

Senate

Answer explanation

Only members of the Senate can use a filibuster, a tactic to delay or block legislation by prolonging debate. The House does not allow filibusters, making the Senate the correct answer.

Front

In order for a bill to pass the House or Senate, it must get a ______________ vote.

Back

majority

Answer explanation

In order for a bill to pass the House or Senate, it must receive a majority vote, meaning more than half of the members present must support it. This is the standard requirement for most legislation.

Front

The only way to override a presidential veto is to get a ____________ vote in both houses of Congress in favor of the bill.

Back

2/3

Answer explanation

The only way to override a presidential veto is to get a 2/3 vote in both houses of Congress in favor of the bill. This supermajority is required to ensure broad support for overriding the President's decision.

Front

After they are introduced, bills usually go to a permanent committee to be studied and debated. These are known as ____________ committees.

Back

Standing

Answer explanation

After introduction, bills are sent to permanent committees for study and debate, which are called standing committees. These committees focus on specific areas of legislation, making 'standing' the correct choice.

Front

If the president holds a bill for 10 days without signing it and Congress is still in session, what happens to the bill?

Back

becomes a law

Answer explanation

If the president does not sign a bill within 10 days and Congress is still in session, the bill automatically becomes law. This is known as the 'pocket veto' rule, which applies only when Congress is in session.

Front

Almost all of the bills introduced in Congress become laws.

Back

False

Answer explanation

The statement is false because not all bills introduced in Congress become laws. Many bills fail to pass through the necessary legislative processes, including committee reviews and votes.