Which sequence best describes how a bill becomes law?

Which sequence best describes how a bill becomes law?

• A. It is introduced, assigned to a committee, debated and voted on, passes both houses, and then is sent to the President for signature or veto.
• B. A bill becomes law once the President signs it, with no need for Congress to vote.
• C. It is introduced, assigned to a committee, debated and voted on, passes both houses, then is sent to the President for signature or veto; if vetoed, Congress can override with a two-thirds vote in both houses.
• D. It becomes law after a Supreme Court ruling.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is that lawmaking involves both Congress and the President, with a built-in check on the President’s power. After a bill is introduced, it goes through committee, is debated, and must be approved by both houses of Congress. Then it goes to the President, who can sign it into law or veto it. If the President vetoes, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in each house, and the bill becomes law anyway. This override step makes the process complete, which is why this sequence is the best description. The other options omit the veto override, claim no congressional vote is needed, or place lawmaking in a Supreme Court ruling, which isn’t how laws are created.

The main idea is that lawmaking involves both Congress and the President, with a built-in check on the President’s power. After a bill is introduced, it goes through committee, is debated, and must be approved by both houses of Congress. Then it goes to the President, who can sign it into law or veto it. If the President vetoes, Congress can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in each house, and the bill becomes law anyway. This override step makes the process complete, which is why this sequence is the best description. The other options omit the veto override, claim no congressional vote is needed, or place lawmaking in a Supreme Court ruling, which isn’t how laws are created.