Final answer:
A bill is introduced in Congress with purpose, justification, and a cost estimate. After passage by both houses, the bill goes to the President for approval. If the President vetoes, it can still become law with a two-thirds vote in both houses; otherwise, it becomes law after ten days without action if Congress is in session.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Steps by Which a Bill Becomes Law
The process by which a bill becomes law involves several key steps. When introducing a bill, it usually includes purpose and justification for the bill, explains how it changes existing law, and offers a cost estimate for implementation. Initially, anyone can draft legislation, but it must be introduced by a member of Congress to have a chance at becoming law.
After both houses of Congress pass the bill, it is presented to the President of the United States. If the President approves, they sign it into law. If the President does not sign the bill, they return it with objections. If after reconsideration, a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress agree, the bill can still become law. Alternatively, if the President takes no action for ten days while Congress is in session, the bill automatically becomes law. This dynamic is detailed in Section 7 Clause 2 of the Constitution.
In the case of the President issuing a veto, the bill returns to Congress, where it can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in both houses. If the President executes a pocket veto by not signing the bill when Congress is adjourned, the bill does not become law.