Final answer:
A bill becomes a law after being drafted, passed by both houses of Congress, and receiving the President's approval or passing the ten-day period without a veto or the President's signature. The process requires consensus and provides multiple checkpoints for legislative scrutiny.
Step-by-step explanation:
How a Bill Becomes a Law
The process by which a bill becomes a law involves several key steps. Firstly, legislation is drafted by various individuals or groups, though only those introduced by a member of Congress can become law. Once a bill is introduced in Congress, it must be passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate in identical form.
After passing through Congress, the bill is sent to the President. The President has four options: sign the bill into law, veto it (which can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in each house of Congress), allow it to become law without a signature after ten days (excluding Sundays), or execute a pocket veto if Congress adjourns within ten days of submitting a bill.
Consensus is a significant part of the lawmaking process, which requires agreement among legislators and between both chambers of Congress. The detailed process ensures every enacted bill has undergone rigorous scrutiny and discussion, aligning with democratic principles.