Civics 101
Learn how Congress works and understand the legislative process
How a Bill Becomes Law
The Legislative Process
Understanding how a bill becomes law helps you track legislation and engage with your representatives effectively.
Idea & Introduction
A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate. The bill gets assigned a number (HR for House, S for Senate).
Committee Review
The bill is referred to a relevant committee where experts review, amend, and vote on it. Most bills die in committee.
Floor Vote
If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber (House or Senate) for debate and voting.
Other Chamber
The bill must pass both House and Senate. If versions differ, a conference committee reconciles them.
Presidential Action
The President can sign the bill into law, veto it (requiring 2/3 override), or let it become law without signature.
Bill Success Rate
Average Timeline
- Introduction to Committee: 1-2 weeks
- Committee Review: 2-6 months
- Floor Vote: 1-4 weeks
- Other Chamber: 1-6 months
- Presidential Action: 10 days
What is a Committee?
Congressional Committees Explained
Committees are specialized groups of lawmakers who focus on specific policy areas. They're where the real work of Congress happens!
Types of Committees
- Standing Committees: Permanent committees (e.g., Education, Defense)
- Select Committees: Temporary, special purpose
- Joint Committees: Members from both chambers
- Conference Committees: Resolve differences between House/Senate bills
Committee Functions
- Hold hearings and investigations
- Mark up and amend bills
- Vote on bill recommendations
- Oversee executive branch agencies
Major House Committees
- Education & Labor
- Energy & Commerce
- Homeland Security
- Ways & Means
- Judiciary
- Natural Resources
- Armed Services
- Financial Services
- Transportation
Fun Facts
- House: 20 standing committees
- Senate: 16 standing committees
- Average: 2-3 committee assignments per member
- Power: Committees kill 90%+ of bills
Public Participation
Committees hold public hearings where citizens, experts, and organizations can testify. This is your chance to influence legislation!
State vs Federal Bills
Understanding Different Levels of Government
Not all laws are created equal! Understanding the difference between state and federal legislation helps you know where to focus your advocacy efforts.
Federal Bills
Scope & Authority
- National issues affecting all states
- Constitutional powers (defense, trade, immigration)
- Supreme Court interpretation
Examples
- Healthcare reform (ACA)
- Environmental regulations
- Tax policy
- Defense spending
Process
- House + Senate approval
- Presidential signature
- Can override state laws
State Bills
Scope & Authority
- State-specific issues
- Reserved powers (education, criminal law)
- State constitution
Examples
- Education policy
- Criminal justice reform
- State taxes
- Local infrastructure
Process
- State legislature approval
- Governor signature
- Must comply with federal law
Key Differences
| Aspect | Federal | State |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | National | State-wide |
| Authority | Constitutional powers | Reserved powers |
| Process | Congress + President | State Legislature + Governor |
| Impact | All 50 states | Single state |
| Timeline | 2+ years average | 6-12 months average |
Which Level Should You Focus On?
Federal Issues
- National security
- Immigration policy
- Federal taxes
- Environmental regulations
- Healthcare (Medicare/Medicaid)
State Issues
- Education funding
- Criminal justice
- State taxes
- Local infrastructure
- State healthcare programs
Pro Tip
Many issues span both levels! For example, education has federal funding (No Child Left Behind) but state implementation (curriculum standards).
Test Your Knowledge
Quick Quiz
1. What percentage of bills introduced in Congress actually become law?
2. Which committee would handle a bill about student loans?
Your Score
Ready to Engage?
Now that you understand how Congress works, start tracking bills and making your voice heard!