How a Bill Becomes Law

Question 1

What is the first step in making laws?

Answer 1

The propose bill is signed by its author and filed with Secretary of either the lower or upper house.

Question 2

How many reading will the bill go through?

Answer 2

3 Readings

Question 3

What will happen in the First Reading?

Answer 3

• the number and title of the bill is read

- followed by its referral to the appropriate committee for study.

Question 4

What will happen in the Second Reading?

Answer 4

• the bill is read in full
  along with amendments proposed by the committee who studied it.
• subjected to debates and discussions
• after extensive discussion, the bill will be voted on.
• if approved it will go through a third reading.

Question 5

What will happen in the Third Reading?

Answer 5

• submitted for a final vote.
• If approved again, transmitted to the other House for concurrence.
• The other House will go through the same process of having three readings.

Question 6

Who will settle differences if the other House introduces amendments and the House from which the bill originated from does not approve it?

Answer 6

• Conference Committees of both houses.

Question 7

Who will approve the recommendations of the Conference Committees of both Houses?

Answer 7

• Both Houses will have to approve the recommendations.

Question 8

Can a Congress pass a vetoed bill by the President?

Answer 8

• Yes, by two-thirds vote, voting separately to approve its enactment.