2.6 Legislative Branch Part 2

First five steps:

1. A bill is drafted by Congress

2. A Congress member sponsors the bill and introduces it in the Senate or the White House 

3. A committee reviews the bill and holds public hearings with witnesses and experts. If the committee takes no action, the bill dies 

4. If approved, the bill moves to a subcommittee for edits and amendments If rejected, the bill is tabled and dies 

5. The bill then reaches the House or Senate floor, where it is debated and possibly amended. A majority vote is required to advance it. If it fails, the bill dies 

What is the first five steps of the Law Making Process?

Last steps continued…

6. The bill moves to the other house, where any differences can be resolved by a conference committee. If approved, it requires a majority vote in the Senate to move forward. If it fails the bill dies 
   

7. Then the bill goes to the President, who has 10 days to: 

1. Sign it into law 

2. Ignore it - If Congress is in session, it automatically becomes a law after 10 days 

3. Veto it - The bill is returned with suggested changes 

4. Pocket veto it - If Congress is out of session, the bill dies without action

8. If vetoed, the Congress can override with a 2/3 majority vote in both houses, making the bill law 

What are the last steps for the Law Making Process?

The two major political parties are Democrats and Republicans. They often vote as an bloc (alliance) to advance their agendas

What are the two major political parties called?

Each party for the Democrats and Republicans select leaders in an in-party caucus, where members endorse candidates or set policy goals

What does each party for Democrats and Republicans select?

Majority and minor leaders for Democrats and Republicans lead each party in the House of Senate, guiding their party’s legislative agenda

What is the definition of majority and minor leaders for Democrats and Republicans?

The majority party has the most members in a chamber. For example: Democrats in the House of Representatives or Republicans in the Senate

How does the majority party work for the Democrats and Republicans?

Whips ensure party members vote along party lines and maintain attendance with the Democrats and Republicans

What do whips ensure for the Democrats and Republicans?

Whips pressure members to follow party decisions or risk losing endorsement, support, and future election prospects 

What do whips pressure the Democrat and Republican members to follow?

The House of Representatives undergoes reapportionment and redistricting every 10 years based on U.S Census data 

What does the House of Representatives undergoes every 10 years?

Reapportionment: House seats are redistributed among states to match population shifts in the House of Representatives

What is the definition of reapportionment with the House of Representatives?

Redistricting: States redrew district lines to reflect changes in representation in the House of Representatives

What is the definition of redistricting with the House of Representatives?