CER Essential Question : Chapter 12 - How do Laws Really get Made?

Introduction/ Thesis statement

Although thousands of bills are introduced in Congress each year, only a small number become law because the legislative lawmaking process includes many steps and checks that slow down and limit which bills are passed.

Bill

a bill is a formal proposal for a new law or to change an existing one

How do bills become laws

Begins in House or Senate → Committee Review (studied, debated, and often revised : if a bill lacks support, funding, or clear purpose) → House/ Senate (debate and vote) → President (signs, vetos) → If vetoed, can be overridden (requires two/third votes from both chambers)

Committee Review

Example on why bills get rejected

a bill that sounds good in theory but is too expensive or impractical may be stopped in committee before reaching the floor.

Filibuster

a filibuster can be used to delay or block a vote entirely unless 60 senators agree to end debate through cloture. This allows the minority party to slow legislation they strongly oppose, which often prevents bills from advancing.

Conclusion

so few bills become law because the process includes multiple steps, reviews, and checks, each designed to prevent rushed or poorly written legislation. While this system can slow progress and create frustration, it reflects the principle of checks and balances, ensuring that laws are debated, revised, and broadly supported before they affect the entire nation.