Explain the process of how a bill becomes a law. Specifically, highlight the many places where a bill may be sidetracked, fundamentally changed, or killed. How does this process fit with the founders’ intent concerning Congress?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Students should be able to discuss how a bill gets on the congressional agenda and then describe the process, from introduction into the “hopper” to referral to committee, and the fact that most legislation dies in committee or subcommittee. The differences between the Senate and the House are significant. First, senators may always offer amendments to legislation later, so the committee stage is less important in the Senate than in the House. Second, the House Rules Committee can tightly limit debate and amendments, whereas senators can filibuster and offer amendments to legislation. If legislation is passed, it must be in identical form in both chambers; if it is not, it goes to a conference committee. If wording is hammered out in conference committee, both chambers must pass the legislation again in its new form before it gets sent to the president, who may sign it, veto it, or pocket veto it. Both chambers have to pass the legislation with a two-thirds vote to override a presidential veto. A quality answer might mention that providing places in this process where different regional interests can check a majority fits with Madison’s arguments in Federalist No. 10. Or the answer might highlight how the founders wanted many checks within this branch of government as well as between branches of government.