U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
An immigrant is studying the legislative process. After a bill is introduced in either the House or Senate, what is the next typical step in the process before it can be debated by the full chamber?
- AIt is assigned to a committee for review and revision.
- BIt is sent directly to the other chamber for a vote.
- CIt is immediately sent to the President for signature.
- DIt is voted on by the Supreme Court for constitutionality.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. It is assigned to a committee for review and revision.
After introduction, a bill is assigned to a committee, which is where the vast majority of legislative work occurs. Committees can hold hearings, gather information, and make amendments before deciding whether to recommend the bill to the full chamber.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. A bill must typically pass its originating chamber and often undergo committee review there first.
- C. Bills go to the President only after passing both chambers of Congress.
- D. The Supreme Court reviews laws only after they have been passed and challenged, not as part of the legislative process.
Legislative Process: Committee Review
After a bill is introduced in Congress, it is typically assigned to a committee for detailed review, hearings, and potential revision before being considered by the full House or Senate.
- Occurs after bill introduction.
- Committees specialize in topics.
- Bills are often revised or die in committee.
Memory trick: Bill's path: 'Introduced, then to committee it's deduced!'