The United States government is charged with the approval process of the country’s laws. In order for a law to be born, it must first be introduced by a representative or senator as a bill. The bill is submitted to a clerk and assigned a title and number. This is considered the bills “first reading.” From here it is forwarded to a committee.

The committee then has the ability to move forward with the bill or table it. If the bill is tabled, it is basically done. If, however, the committee deems the bill relevant, it will seek the consultation of experts in regards to facts and opinions of the proposed law. The members of the committee then vote on the bill (or an amended version of the bill). If the vote ends in favor of the bill, it is returned to the floor of the house for consideration.

From here, the clerk enacts the second reading of the bill to the House of Representatives. House members can then debate the bill and offer amendments to it. Then the third reading of the bill takes place and the House votes by roll call or voice. If it passes, it continues on the Senate. The same protocol applies here. If the Senate votes for the bill’s approval, it is sent to the president. If it is rejected, the bill dies. When a bill passes the Senate with amendments, it is assigned to a joint congressional committee to smooth out any concerns both houses may have. Then it is submitted to the president.

The bill can be approved and signed into law at this point. However, the president may not approve of the bill. If this happens, he can refuse to sign in and send it back to the original house that submitted the bill. This is known as a veto. The house of origin then reads the objections set forth the president and a vote is taken for the bill’s approval. If a two-thirds majority approves the bill, it advances to the next house. That house also takes a vote, and with a two-thirds majority the president’s veto is overridden. The bill then becomes law.