U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
An immigrant is studying the legislative process. After a bill is passed by both the House and the Senate, what is the next step to potentially become law?
- AIt automatically becomes law after 10 days.
- BIt is returned to the originating chamber for a final vote.
- CIt is sent to the President for approval or veto.
- DIt is sent to the Supreme Court for judicial review.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. It is sent to the President for approval or veto.
Once a bill successfully passes both chambers of Congress, it must be presented to the President. The President then has the option to sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without their signature.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. A bill can become law without the President's signature after 10 days, but only if Congress is in session. It's not an automatic next step after passage.
- B. A final vote in the originating chamber occurs before it is sent to the other chamber, not after both have passed it.
- D. Judicial review by the Supreme Court happens after a law is enacted and challenged, not as part of the initial legislative process.
Legislative Process (Presidential Action)
After a bill passes both the House and Senate, it goes to the President, who can sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature.
- Presidential signature makes it law.
- Veto sends it back to Congress (can be overridden).
- Pocket veto if Congress adjourns within 10 days and President doesn't sign.
Memory trick: Congress passes, President decides.