THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH PART 2

WHERE DO IDEAS FOR LAWS BEGIN?  An idea for a new law is called a bill.  An idea for a bill can come from anyone: citizens, groups, business people, veterans, etc.  The president of the United States, senators, and representatives can also suggest ideas for bills

 A new bill can be introduced in either the Senate or the House of Representatives  Tax bills, though, must begin in the House  Congress considers thousands of bills each year.  In order to review them all, Congress divides into committees HOW DO BILLS BECOME LAWS?

WHAT HAPPENS TO BILLS IN COMMITTEES?  Committees decide which bills are important enough to send to the Senate or House for all members to consider.  Many bills are rejected by committees and are not considered further.  An approved bill is sent to the House of Representatives or Senate for debate and voting.

WHAT HAPPENS TO BILLS IF THEY ARE APPROVED?  After a bill passes one house of Congress, it is sent to the other.  If it is passed by both the House and Senate, it is sent to the president.

THEN WHAT? Once the president receives an approved bill he can…. Sign the bill….it becomes law Veto the bill…he doesn’t like the bill but, it can still become law if it passes Congress by two-thirds majority vote Do nothing…the bill will become law in 10 working days. OR

VOCABULARY Bill: a suggested new law Reject: to refuse to accept

Bill given number and title Bill sent to committee Bill Introduced Bill dropped or approved If approved, sent to subcommittee Bill at committee Bill dropped or approved If approved, sent back to committee Bill at Subcommittee Bill dropped or approved If approved, placed on House/Senate calendar Bill at Committee Bill debated If approved, sent to other house If both approve, sent to president Bill at Senate/House President signs bill into law or vetoes bill If vetoed, bill becomes law if passes Congress by 2/3 majority Bill with President

POWERS OF CONGRESS: TAXES  Congress raises and collects taxes to pay for salaries of government employees and to maintain government functions.  The government needs this money to carry on its work and to run programs that care for people who need special assistance.

POWERS OF CONGRESS: TRADE AND BUSINESS ACTIVITIES  Congress passes laws and watches over trade and business activities  Congress runs the system of national highways which help businesses move their products across the country.

POWERS OF CONGRESS: DEFENSE  Congress can declare war  Congress established the army, navy, and other military services

POWERS OF CONGRESS: CITIZENSHIP  Congress decides on citizenship requirements for people from other countries to become US citizens  Admits new states to United States, and sets standards of weights and measures.

LIMITS ON CONGRESS  The writers of the constitution restricted the power of congress.  Congress cannot make laws that take away the rights guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.  Congress cannot make laws about things like elections, education, or marriage.  Congress cannot take money away from the federal government without passing a law to do so.

VOCABULARY Power: the right to take action; the right to decide Function: the act or operation expected of a person or group Defend: to protect from attack or harm Military: having to do with war or the armed forces

VOCABULARY Requirement: a quality that is needed or demanded Admit: to allow or permit to enter Standard: a rule or model that is set to control quality, size, or how something is done Restrict: to limit