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How A Bill Becomes A Law Essay

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Before I get into how a bill becomes a law, I want to spend a little time discussing the powers and boundaries set forth by our Constitution. The Constitution was designed with a system of checks and balances to assure that all the branches of Government are kept in check. They decided to form three branches, the executive branch, legislative branch and the judicial branch. The delegates wanted to divide power equally in the Government to keep one branch from having too much power. The executive branch includes the President and is responsible for executing public and foreign policy. The legislative branch includes the House and the Senate. They are responsible for making and implementing laws and funding the government. The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme court and they interpret the Constitution and laws. The United States Constitution is …show more content…

A law generally begins its life as a simple idea. Anyone can come up with an idea for a law and submit the idea to their congressman or representative. Sometimes a special interest group may submit an idea in hopes that their idea may become a law. When the idea is supported and sponsored by a member of Congress that idea becomes a bill. A bill may begin in either the House or the Senate. However, the bills that deal with money must be introduced through the House. The bill is introduced when it is placed in a box called the hopper on the bill clerks desk. The House speaker will then send the bill to committee where it may be amended, passed or "killed". The House will debate the bill, then send it to the Senate. The bill will be debated and possibly amended then sent back to the House. If everything is approved it will eventually make it's way to the President where he may sign or veto it. If it is signed, it becomes a law. Even if the bill is rejected by the president, it may still become a law if two thirds of the houses override the

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