The Legislative Process

1. Why do you think a majority vote is needed in both houses to pass a bill?

2. Explain what happens when a bill is sent to the governor.

1. For the bill to the Senate it needs to be voted by the majority in the house.

2. Governor has 12 days after receiving a bill to decide to sign or veto it.

Explanation:

First, a representative sponsors a bill. The bill is then assigned to a committee for study. If released by the committee, the bill is put on a calendar to be voted on, debated or amended. If the bill passes by simple majority (218 of 435), the bill moves to the Senate.

Sign and pass the bill-the bill becomes a law ... If the U. S. House of Representatives and the U. S. Senate still believe the bill should become a law, they can hold another vote on the bill. If two-thirds of the Representatives and Senators support the bill, the President's veto is overridden and the bill becomes a law.

After both the House and Senate have approved a bill in identical form, it is sent to the president. If the president approves of the legislation, he signs it and it becomes law. Or, if the president takes no action for ten days, while Congress is in session, it automatically becomes law.

Normally, the Governor has 12 days after receiving a bill to decide to sign or veto it, or a bill will become law automatically without his or her signature. However, the Governor has 30 days to make this decision on bills submitted to him or her when the annual winter recess is near at hand.