How a Bill Becomes a Law

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a step in the process of how a bill becomes a law?

• Bill is introduced in the House

• Bill is signed directly by the President without Congress

• Bill is debated only in the Senate

• Bill is passed without any voting

Open Ended

Why is it important for citizens to understand how a bill becomes a law in the United States?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is required for a bill to be introduced in Congress?

• It must be proposed by the President

• It must be introduced by a member of Congress

• It must be approved by the Supreme Court

• It must be supported by a majority of citizens

Multiple Select

Which of the following actions can a committee take when a bill is sent to them?

• Mark-up (edit) the bill

• Pigeonhole or kill the bill

• Pass the bill without changes

• Send the bill directly to the President

Open Ended

Describe the process a bill goes through from being introduced in the House to being reported to the Floor of the House.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following statements about debate in the Senate is correct?

• Debate is limited to one hour per bill

• The Speaker determines the length of debate

• Debate is unlimited and filibusters can be used by the minority

• A simple majority can end debate at any time

Multiple Choice

What is the minimum number of votes needed in the House of Representatives and the Senate to pass a bill?

• 218 in the House, 51 in the Senate

• 200 in the House, 60 in the Senate

• 250 in the House, 67 in the Senate

• 300 in the House, 51 in the Senate

Multiple Select

Which actions can the President take when a bill is sent to him? Select all that apply.

• Sign the bill into law

• Veto the bill

• Ignore the bill and let it become law after 10 days if Congress is in session

• Send the bill back to Congress for revision

Multiple Choice

If the President signs the bill, what is its legal status in the United States?

• It becomes a federal law that each state must follow

• It becomes a state law

• It is sent back to Congress for approval

• It is only enforced in Washington D.C.