September 14th  2021   Questions? Email us here

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I. INTRODUCTION

This online resource provides a basic outline of the numerous steps of our federal law-making process from the source

of an idea for a legislative proposal through its publication as a statute. The legislative process is a matter about which

every person should be well informed in order to understand and appreciate the work of Congress. It is hoped that this

guide will enable readers to gain a greater understanding of the federal legislative process and its role as one of the

foundations of our representative system. One of the most practical safeguards of the American democratic way of life is

this legislative process with its emphasis on the protection of the minority, allowing ample opportunity to all sides to be

heard and make their views known. The fact that a proposal cannot become a law without consideration and approval

by both Houses of Congress is an outstanding virtue of our bicameral legislative system. The open and full discussion

provided under the Constitution often results in the notable improvement of a bill by amendment before it becomes law

or in the eventual defeat of an inadvisable proposal. As the majority of laws originate in the House of Representatives,

this discussion will focus principally on the procedure in that body