How Does a Representative Make Laws?

Legislators who make federal law work in the Capitol Building.

The legislative branch, consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives, makes law. Citizens who understand this process have a stronger voice in the democratic process.

Committee Review

After a representative introduces a bill, the congressional clerk refers it to a committee for study and revision. Representatives with expertise in particular areas comprise the more than 200 committees.

Report to Congress

The committee files the revised bill and a report with the House or Senate. In the Congressional document "How Our Laws Are Made," Representative John V. Sullivan describes the congressional report as "perhaps the most valuable single element of the legislative history of the law."

Congressional Debate and Vote

Members of the House or Senate debate and then vote on the bill by either voice, paper or electronic means. Voting procedures differ in each body of Congress.

Signature by the President

Finally, the bill goes to the President of the United States to be signed. Article I, Section 7 of the U.S. Constitution states that "Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it, but if not he shall return it..."

References

• U.S. Government Printing Office: How Our Laws Are Made
• The Library of Congress: Search Committee Reports
• Cornell University Law School: United States Constitution

Resources

• PBS Newshour: Politics