The Constitution is a plan
for how our government works and how our country’s laws are made. The
legislature (the branch of government that makes laws) is made up of the
Senate and the House of Representatives. Senators and representatives
are people for whom Americans have voted. Together, this group of
lawmakers is called Congress.
You must be 18 to vote, but did you know that any American—of any
age—can suggest a new law? Think of a law you would propose to help
animals. Write down your ideas.
Before an idea becomes a
law, it’s known as a bill. For the legislature to consider your bill, a
member of Congress must agree with your idea. Let’s say a senator from
your state sponsors your bill. Next, more than half of the Senate must
approve it. There are 100 members of the Senate. That means at least 50
senators need to vote “yes” for your bill.
Next, more than half of the House must vote “yes.” Since there are 435
representatives, at least 217 have to vote “yes.” Now the president has
ten days to decide. If the president votes “yes”—or does nothing—your
bill becomes law!
But what if the president vetoes your bill
(votes “no”)? It can still become a law if 2⁄3 of the Senate and 2⁄3 of
the House vote in favor it of it. That means at least 66 senators and
290 representatives must vote “yes” for your bill to become law.
Want to learn more about how the U.S. government works? Check out
Ben’s Guide.
