Passing laws in the US

[mycatis]

no idea where to put this so...

Can anyone give me a quick, simple overview of the process of something becoming a law, in the American political system? (please) I know in the UK a bill passes through the House of Commons then the House of lords, but canmt think what it would be in the US, thanks

[feelap]

i hope this helps

http://www.socialstudieshelp.com/Lesson_14_Notes.htm

[Clanad]

If you mean at the national level (as opposed to the individual State level)... There are two houses of Congress, the Senate (every State has 2 members) and the House of Representatives (apportioned by population within each State). A Senator or Representative can propose a new law or bill. The proposal goes to a committee that has jurisdiction over the area (agriculture, human services, etc.,) that the bill will affect. Once either body approves the bill (after being approved by the committee) it is sent to the other body for approval. Sometime the receiving body changes some parts of the bill, in which case the changes are resolved by yet another committee. If it makes it past all these parties, it is sent to the President who can either sign it into law or veto it. If vetoed, it can be overridden by a two thirds majority of the Representatives. This is greatly simplified, but an accurate overview of a very complicated process and leaves one to wonder how any law gets passed...

[mycatis]

Thats brilliant, cheers Clanad and feelap :-)