History Kids: How a Bill Becomes a Law

The video explains the process of how a bill becomes a law in the United States. It starts with an idea that can be proposed by anyone and is then written into a bill by a member of Congress. The bill is reviewed by committees and voted on by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. If both houses approve, it goes to the president for signing. The president can sign, veto, or take no action on the bill. If vetoed, Congress can override with a 2/3 majority. The video also includes quizzes to reinforce learning.

Who can propose an idea that might become a law in the United States?

• Anyone

• Only the president

• Only scientists

• Only senators

What is the formal written version of an idea called once it is introduced in Congress?

• A draft

• A law

• A bill

• A proposal

What is the name of the special box where House members place their bills?

• The catcher

• The hopper

• The gavel

• The pocket

What is the primary function of committees in the legislative process?

• To veto bills

• To write new laws

• To review and decide the fate of bills

• To enforce laws

What are changes made to a bill by a committee called?

• Comments

• Markups

• Reviews

• Extras

What happens if a bill is approved by the House but not by the Senate?

• It dies

• It goes back to the House

• It goes to the president

• It becomes a law

Who casts the tie-breaking vote in the Senate if there is a tie?

• The vice president

• The president

• The Speaker of the House

• The Senate majority leader

What is required for a bill to pass both the House and the Senate?

• A unanimous vote

• A simple majority

• A 2/3 majority

• A presidential signature

What is a pocket veto?

• When a bill does not become law because the president does nothing and Congress is not in session

• When a bill becomes law without the president's signature

• When the president vetoes a bill

• When the president signs a bill

How can Congress override a presidential veto?

• With the president's approval

• With a unanimous vote

• With a simple majority

• With a 2/3 majority in both houses