Question

Place the following steps in the correct order. Indicate the box where each step belongs. (Note: On the real GED \({ }^{\circledR}\) test, you will click on each step and "drag" it into the correct box.) \- a member of Congress sponsors the bill \- the text of the bill is written \- representatives work to gain support for the bill \- someone has an idea for a bill \- the bill's type is determined

Short answer

1. Idea for a bill, 2. Writing the bill, 3. Determining the bill's type, 4. Sponsoring the bill, 5. Gaining support.

Step-by-step solution

- Idea for a Bill

Someone has an idea for a bill. This step initiates the process of creating new legislation.

- Writing the Bill

The text of the bill is written. In this step, the idea is formalized into a written document.

- Determining the Bill's Type

The bill's type is determined. This involves classifying the bill based on its purpose and content.

- Sponsoring the Bill

A member of Congress sponsors the bill. This step involves getting an official to support and introduce the bill.

- Gaining Support

Representatives work to gain support for the bill. This step includes lobbying and persuading other members of Congress to back the bill.

Key concepts

Bill Creation

Bill creation is the first step in the legislative process. It all starts with an idea. Anyone can come up with an idea for a new law or a change to an existing one. This idea might come from a politician, a citizen, or even an interest group.
Next, the idea needs to be written down. This is usually done by legislative drafters who are skilled in turning ideas into formal language that can be proposed as a bill.
Once the idea is written into a bill, the type of bill must be determined. Bills can be categorized in different ways, such as public or private, and knowing the type helps in its processing.

• Someone's Idea: An ordinary citizen can think of a bill.
• Writing the Bill: Turning that idea into a formal document.
• Bill's Type: Categorizing the bill for further processing.

Lawmaking

Lawmaking is the process of turning a bill into law. After a bill is written and categorized, it needs a sponsor. The sponsor is usually a member of Congress who supports the bill and is willing to advocate for it.
Once sponsored, the bill must go through several steps before becoming law. It is introduced to either the House of Representatives or the Senate. Then, it goes to committee, where experts review it in detail. They might suggest changes, known as amendments.
If the bill passes the committee, it goes to the whole chamber for debate. Representatives or senators discuss the bill and propose further changes. Finally, the bill is voted on. If it passes one chamber, it moves to the other, going through a similar process.

• Sponsoring: Finding a member of Congress to back the bill.
• Committee Review: In-depth examination and amendments.
• Debate and Voting: Discussing and voting on the bill in both chambers.

Congressional Procedures

Congressional procedures are the specific steps followed in moving a bill through Congress. First, a bill is assigned to a committee based on its subject. The committee can hold hearings, invite experts to testify, and make changes to the bill. Committees play a crucial role because many bills die here if they are not approved.
If a bill makes it out of committee, it goes to the floor of the House or Senate for debate. Members discuss its merits and drawbacks. They can propose amendments during the debate.
After the debate, a vote is taken. If the bill passes, it moves to the other chamber, undergoing the same process. If both chambers approve the bill, it goes to the President for signature.

• Committee Assignment: Delegating the bill to a specific committee.
• Hearings and Amendments: Discussing and modifying the bill in detail.
• Floor Debate: Full chamber discussion and voting.

Government Education

Government education is vital for understanding the legislative process. Knowing how a bill becomes law helps citizens participate in democracy. Schools often teach this process through civics classes, showing students how ideas can turn into laws.
Educating people on government procedures ensures transparency and encourages informed voting. By understanding the steps of bill creation, lawmaking, and congressional procedures, citizens can monitor their representatives' actions and advocate for issues they care about.
Learning about the legislative process also prepares students for potential careers in public service or law.

• Civics Classes: Teaching the process in schools.
• Informed Participation: Equipping citizens with knowledge for advocacy and voting.
• Career Preparation: Preparing students for public service roles.