click below
click below
Normal Size Small Size show me how
How Bill Becomes Law
Term | Definition |
---|---|
Bill | A Proposed Law Presented To A Legislative Body For Consideration. |
Joint Resolution | A Proposal For Action That Has The Force Of Law When Passed: Usually Deals With Special Circumstances Or Temporary Matters |
Concurrent resolution | A Statement Of Position On An Issue Used By The House And Senate Acting Jointly; Does Not Have The Force Of Law And Does Not Require The Presidents Signiture. |
Resolution | A Measure Relating To The Business Of Either House, Or Expressing An Opinion; Does Not Have The Force Of Law And Does Not REquire The Presidents Signiture |
Rider | Unpopular Provision Added To An Important Bill Certain To Pass So That It Will "Ride" Though The Legislative Process |
Discharge petition | A Procedure Enabling Members To Force A Bill That Has Been Pigeonholed In Committee Onto The Floor For Consideration. |
Subcommittee | Division Of Existing Committee That Is Formed To Address Specific Issues. |
Committee of the Whole | A Committee That Consists Of An Entire Legislative Body; Used For A Procedure Of A Legislative Body Expedites Its Business By Resolving Itself Into A Committee Of Itself. |
Quorum | Least Number Of Members Who Must Present For A Legislative Body To Conduct Business; Majority. |
Engrossed | To Print a Bill In Its Final Form |
Tabled | Chiefly U.S. To Lay Aside (A Proposal, Resolution, Etc.) For Future Discussion, Usually With A View To Postponing Or Shelving The Matter Indefinitely. |
Fillibuster | Various Tactics (Usually Long Speeches) Aimed At Defeating A Bill In A Legislative Body By Preventing A Final Vote; Associated With The U.S. Senate |
Cloture | Procedure That May Be Used To Limit Or End Floor Debate In A Legislative Body. |
Veto | Chief Executive's Power To Reject A Bill Passed By A Legislature; Literally (Latin) "I Forbid" |
Pocket veto | Type Of Veto A Chief Executive May Use After A Legislature Has Adjourned; When The Chief Executive Does Not Sign Or REject A Bill Within The Time Allowed To Do So. |