Final answer:
A bill would require approval from the majority in a single-house Congress to pass, but the current U.S. Congress has two chambers and also requires presidential approval or a significant majority to override a veto. Historical examples like the Bonus Bill show the complexities involved in passing legislation related to internal improvements and funding.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Congress consisted of only one house, a bill giving money to states to improve roadways based on population would face a different legislative process. Historical context shows that bills related to internal improvements and funding, such as the Bonus Bill supported by Calhoun and Clay, were subject to intense debate and a presidential veto by James Madison, who questioned their constitutionality. In a single-house Congress, the bill could pass if a majority voted for it. However, the U.S. Congress actually consists of two chambers—the House of Representatives and the Senate. Each chamber must pass identical versions of a bill. If differences exist, they may be resolved by the chambers accepting one version or by a conference committee reconciliation. The final step requires presidential approval. James Madison's veto of the Bonus Bill, despite congressional support, illustrates that even with majority support, a presidential veto can halt a bill unless overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses.
The impact of federal funding on the U.S. economy and state governments is significant. If the federal government did not fund services and programs benefiting states and local governments, there could be detrimental effects on infrastructure and economic development. It’s necessary to consider the balance between state and federal responsibilities and the economic implications of funding decisions.