8. Enactment/Amendment of Laws (Art 1/Art 5)

Question 1

What is required for Congress to enact laws?

Answer 1

1) Bicameralism
- BOTH Houses of Congress must consent

2) Presentment
- President may sign entire bill
- President may veto entire bill

Question 2

How may President deny enactment of laws?

Answer 2

Veto within 10 days
- UNLESS ‘each’ House of Congress give 2/3 consent to override veto

Veto after 10 days + Congress NOT involved (Pocket veto)

Veto in toto
- NOT line item veto (approve + disapprove specific parts)

Question 3

How may changes be made to the Constitution?

Answer 3

Article 5

1) Each House of Congress gives 2/3 consent => Propose amendment
2) ALL states included in vote gives 3/4 consent => Accept amendment
3) Congress sets deadline for states to vote => Ratify amendment