Law passed by Congress

Definition

A law passed by Congress is a formal legal statute that has been approved by both houses of Congress—the House of Representatives and the Senate—and then signed into law by the President. These laws are crucial for establishing and modifying regulations that govern society, impacting various aspects of public policy, individual rights, and the balance of power within the government. The process of passing a law involves several stages, including proposal, debate, amendments, and voting, demonstrating the checks and balances inherent in the legislative process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. For a law to be passed by Congress, it must be approved by a simple majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
2. Once a bill is approved by Congress, it is sent to the President who can either sign it into law or veto it.
3. If a President vetoes a bill, Congress can still enact it if both houses vote to override the veto with a two-thirds majority.
4. Laws passed by Congress can cover a wide range of issues including taxes, healthcare, education, and civil rights.
5. The process of turning a bill into law includes multiple readings, debates, amendments, and votes in both houses to ensure thorough examination and consideration.

Review Questions

• How does the process of passing a law by Congress exemplify the system of checks and balances in U.S. government?
  • The process of passing a law by Congress showcases checks and balances through its requirement for collaboration between both houses of Congress as well as the President. A bill must pass through multiple stages including committee reviews and votes from both the House and Senate, illustrating legislative oversight. Additionally, the President’s veto power serves as a check on Congress's authority, allowing for further scrutiny of legislation before it becomes law.
• Discuss the significance of the committee system in the legislative process of passing laws by Congress.
  • The committee system is significant in passing laws because it allows for specialized groups within Congress to focus on specific areas of policy. These committees conduct hearings, review details of proposed legislation, and make informed recommendations. This structure helps streamline the legislative process by ensuring that laws are thoroughly examined and refined before reaching the floor for a vote, thereby enhancing accountability and expertise.
• Evaluate how changes in public opinion can influence laws passed by Congress and discuss an example illustrating this relationship.
  • Changes in public opinion can significantly influence laws passed by Congress as elected representatives often seek to align their actions with the views of their constituents to maintain support and secure re-election. For instance, widespread public advocacy for civil rights during the 1960s led to pivotal legislation like the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This law was passed largely due to growing societal demand for racial equality, showing how legislators respond to shifts in public sentiment to address pressing issues.

Related terms

Bicameral Legislature:

A legislative body that has two separate chambers or houses, such as the House of Representatives and the Senate in the U.S. Congress.

Veto Power: The constitutional authority of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress, preventing it from becoming law unless overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

Committee System:

The organization of Congress into specialized committees that review proposed legislation, hold hearings, and make recommendations for further consideration.