Legislative Master Review

Who can have an idea for a bill?

• Only members of Congress

• Any US citizen

• Only the President

• Only state governors

Answer explanation

Any US citizen can propose an idea for a bill. While only members of Congress can formally introduce it, the initiation of ideas can come from anyone, including the public.

Who must sponsor an idea for a bill?

• A member of the House of Representatives

• A member of Congress

• The Vice President

• A senator

Answer explanation

A member of Congress, which includes both the House of Representatives and the Senate, must sponsor an idea for a bill. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A member of Congress'.

Through which houses must a bill go to become a law?

• Only the House of Representatives

• Only the Senate

• Both houses of Congress

• The White House

Answer explanation

A bill must pass through both houses of Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate, before it can become law. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Both houses of Congress'.

What is the first step in the process of a bill becoming a law?

• A bill is debated.

• A bill is proposed.

• A bill is voted on.

• A bill is signed into law.

Answer explanation

The first step in the process of a bill becoming a law is when a bill is proposed. This initiates the legislative process, allowing the bill to be debated, voted on, and eventually signed into law.

Who can sponsor a bill?

• Any citizen.

• A member of Congress.

• The President.

• The Speaker of the House

Answer explanation

Only a member of Congress can sponsor a bill, as they are the elected officials responsible for proposing legislation. Citizens, the President, and the Speaker of the House do not have the authority to sponsor bills directly.

What is the term used when most bills die in the House/Senate Standing Committee?

• Pigeon hole

• Black hole

• Rabbit hole

• Sinkhole

Answer explanation

The term "pigeon hole" refers to the practice where most bills are set aside or effectively ignored in a committee, preventing them from progressing further in the legislative process.

After being referred to the Standing Committee, where does a bill go for research and review?

• Sub Committees

• Main Committee

• Executive Committee

• Joint Session

Answer explanation

After a bill is referred to the Standing Committee, it goes to Sub Committees for detailed research and review. This allows for focused examination of specific aspects of the bill before it returns to the Main Committee.

What happens in Step 3 of the legislative process?

• The President signs the bill.

• The bill is introduced in the House.

• House/Senate debates and passes the bill.

• The bill is sent to the Supreme Court.

Answer explanation

In Step 3 of the legislative process, the House or Senate debates the bill. This is a crucial stage where lawmakers discuss its merits and make amendments before voting to pass it.

What are the possible voting options for members when a bill is put to a vote?

• Yes, No, Abstain

• Yea, Nay, Present

• Agree, Disagree, Neutral

• For, Against, Undecided

Answer explanation

The correct voting options for members when a bill is put to a vote are 'Yea' for yes, 'Nay' for no, and 'Present' for abstaining or being present without voting. Other options do not accurately reflect standard voting terminology.

What is the purpose of the Conference Committee in the legislative process?

• To introduce new bills

• To veto bills

• To ensure both versions of a bill are identical

• To sign bills into law

Answer explanation

The purpose of the Conference Committee is to ensure both versions of a bill are identical before it is sent to the President. This committee resolves differences between the House and Senate versions of a bill.