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How a Bill Becomes a Law — Reading Comprehension

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Grades

Standards

D2.CIV.4.3-5
D2.CIV.6.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
W.4.2

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This history reading passage teaches students how a bill becomes a law in the United States, following a clear and chronological sequence. Aligned with C3 Framework and Common Core standards, it outlines the steps from an idea to the President's signature. The passage features key vocabulary, a glossary, a timeline, and comprehension activities. Students learn about Congress, committees, voting, and the important role of government in making rules. The passage is suitable for building literacy and civic knowledge. A Spanish translation and read aloud audio are included for accessibility. Ideal for classrooms covering U.S. and California government, this resource supports social studies and literacy goals. Activities help students connect the process to real life and promote critical thinking about democracy.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Every law in California starts as an idea. Sometimes, these ideas come from lawmakers, but they can also come from regular people. When someone wants to change a rule or add a new one, they write down their idea. This written idea is called a bill.

The first step is for a lawmaker, called a legislator, to introduce the bill. The bill is read out loud in front of either the California State Assembly or the California State Senate. The Assembly and Senate are the two parts of California’s legislature. The legislator explains why the new law is needed and how it will help people.

Next, the bill goes to a committee. A committee is a small group of lawmakers who study the bill carefully. They decide if the bill is a good idea. Sometimes, they make changes to make it better. The committee can vote to pass the bill, change it, or stop it.

If the committee says yes, the bill moves to the whole Assembly or Senate. All the lawmakers debate and vote. If most lawmakers vote yes, the bill goes to the other house—the Senate if it started in the Assembly, or the Assembly if it started in the Senate. The bill goes through another committee and another vote. Both houses must agree for the bill to move on.

The last step is the governor. The governor is the leader of the state. The governor reads the bill and decides if it should become a law. If the governor signs the bill, it becomes a law. If the governor says no, or vetoes it, the bill does not become a law—unless most lawmakers vote to pass it anyway.

This process helps make sure every new law is carefully considered. It gives many people a chance to share their ideas. This is part of democracy in California. It shows how people work together to solve problems and improve their state.

Interesting Fact: California lawmakers introduce more than 2,000 bills each year, but only some of them become laws.

What is the first step to make a law?

Someone has an ideaThe governor signs itThe committee votesThe Assembly debates

Who introduces the bill?

A legislatorThe governorA judgeA teacher

What is a committee?

A small groupA big buildingA type of lawA school

Why does the bill go to both houses?

To get more votesTo make it longerTo make it a ruleTo teach students

What happens if the governor vetoes a bill?

It might not become lawIt is signedIt is read againIt starts over

Why is committee work important?