How a Bill Becomes a Law — Reading Comprehension

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

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

About This Reader

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

How a bill become a law. The bill is taken from the hopper and sent to Lewis Dreschler, Parliamentarian of the House who refers it to the proper committee for discussion and then sends it to the Chief Bill Clerk to be numbered
Source: Library of Congress - Harris & Ewing

A bill is an idea for a new law. In the United States, making a law is a careful process. This process helps make sure rules are fair for everyone.

First, someone has an idea for a law. This person can be a member of Congress. Congress is made of two groups. These are the House of Representatives and the Senate. The person writes the idea and turns it into a bill.

Next, the bill is introduced to Congress. The bill is read by all members. After that, it goes to a committee. A committee is a small group of people who study the bill. They talk about the bill and can make changes. If the committee likes the bill, they vote yes. If they do not like it, they vote no. If the committee says yes, the bill goes back to the whole group.

Now, all the members of the House or Senate talk about the bill. They ask questions and share ideas. Then, they vote. If most members vote yes, the bill moves to the other group. The other group repeats the same steps. If both the House and Senate say yes, the bill is sent to the President.

The President reads the bill. The President can sign it to make it a law. Sometimes, the President does not agree. The President can say no. This is called a veto. If the President signs the bill, it becomes a law for everyone.

Sometimes, if the President vetoes the bill, Congress can vote again. If two-thirds of Congress vote yes, the bill becomes a law anyway. This is called "overriding" the veto. As the Constitution says, "All legislative Powers...shall be vested in a Congress of the United States." This means Congress makes the rules for our country.

This process helps make sure laws are made with care. It also lets many people share their ideas. The goal is to make laws that help everyone.

Interesting Fact: The shortest time it took for a bill to become a law was just one day!

Who can write a bill?

A member of CongressOnly the PresidentA teacherA judge

What is the first step for a bill?

Someone writes the ideaPresident signs itSenate votesCommittee studies it

Who makes the rules for our country?

CongressThe Supreme CourtThe MayorThe Army

Why does a bill go to a committee?

To be studied and changedTo become a lawFor the President to signTo be read aloud

What happens if the President vetoes a bill?

Congress can vote againThe bill is lost foreverThe Senate signs itIt becomes a law right away