What is the process by which a bill becomes a law?

The process by which a bill becomes a law in the United States begins with a bill being introduced in Congress. This means that it can originate in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. After its introduction, the bill is reviewed, discussed, and amended in committees, which specialize in various policy areas. Once the committee approves the bill, it is then brought before the full house (either the House or the Senate) where it is debated and voted upon.

If the bill receives majority approval in both houses, it moves on to the president, who has the option to either sign the bill into law, thereby enacting it, or veto it, which sends it back to Congress for reconsideration. If the president does not act on the bill for ten days while Congress is in session, it automatically becomes law. This structured procedure ensures that the bill is thoroughly examined and debated before it becomes law, reflecting the democratic processes of the legislative branch.

The other options do not accurately depict the process as it occurs in the U.S. government, as they misrepresent the roles and steps involved in the legislative process. For instance, the involvement of the governor is not part of the federal legislative process, and steps like “approved by the cabinet” do