Understanding the Legislative Process

Where do ideas for new laws often originate before being introduced in Congress?

• From the Supreme Court

• From the President's family

• From interest groups, the executive branch, or citizens

• Only from members of Congress

What is the first formal step after a bill is introduced by a legislator in either the House or Senate?

• It is immediately sent to the President for approval

• It is referred to a committee for review and markup

• It is voted on by the entire chamber

• It is sent to the Supreme Court for legal review

What action can the President take when a bill passed by both houses of Congress is sent to them?

• Sign it into law

• Veto it

• Allow it to become law without signing if Congress remains in session for more than 10 days

• All of the above

If the President vetoes a bill, how can Congress still make it a law?

• By a simple majority vote in both the House and Senate

• By a 2/3 majority vote in both the House and Senate

• By a 3/4 majority vote in the Senate only

• By appealing to the Supreme Court