1.7 How a Bill Becomes a Law

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the legislative process and how a bill becomes law.

Bill Introduction

The initial stage of the legislative process where a bill is drafted and presented for consideration.

Authorization

The step in the legislative process that allows for a bill to be considered.

Appropriation

The provision of funding for the bill, allowing it to be enacted.

Filibuster

A tactic used in the Senate to delay or block legislative action, often involving long speeches.

Cloture

A procedure to end debate in the Senate, requiring a three-fifths vote.

Non-germane amendments

Amendments that are not directly related to the bill being considered, allowed in the Senate.

Pocket Veto

A type of veto where the President ignores a bill, leading to it becoming law after ten days unless Congress adjourns.

Line-item veto

The power to veto specific provisions of a bill, ruled unconstitutional in Clinton v. New York (1998).

Conference committee

A temporary committee formed to reconcile different versions of a bill from the House and Senate.