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How a bill becomes a law (kid version)
← Back to How government works topics← Back to LearnA civics adventure written for readers of all ages.
Start with a question
From idea to law, who says yes along the way?
In brief
A proposal is introduced, debated, and voted on in both chambers of Congress, then sent to the president to sign or veto.
Why this matters
Committees study bills, amendments change wording, and votes happen in the House and Senate. Conference committees reconcile differences. The president can sign or veto; Congress can override with two-thirds. Agencies then write rules to implement the law.
A simple example
Track a simple school rule proposal through steps: proposal, committee, full vote, principal sign-off, and rulebook update.
Questions to think about
- Why do so many steps exist before a law takes effect?
- Where can the public give input during the process?
- How does compromise shape a final law?
Try this
Create a flowchart of the process and mark where a bill can stall.
One thing to take away
Name one step where a bill can be changed.
Story bridge
Story bridge
The kids’ travel plan needed approvals. How is that like a bill’s path?
Keep exploring
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