Final answer:
A bill that passed with bipartisan support means it received votes from members of both major political parties, indicating a level of collaboration and agreement on the issue at hand. This could be due to the bill's popularity, the urgent need for the legislation, or effective negotiation and compromise.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a bill is said to have passed with bipartisan support, it means that members of both major political parties—typically Democrats and Republicans in the United States—have voted in favor of the legislation. The term bipartisan is often indicative of a collaborative effort where both parties have found common ground or compromised sufficiently to advance legislation that they agree will benefit the public or address an important issue.
In the context of the legislative process, achieving bipartisanship often requires negotiation and a willingness to understand and incorporate the opposing party's perspectives into the bill. This is particularly important in a bicameral system like that of the U.S., where a bill must pass through both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Successful bipartisanship is often seen during periods when there is an awareness that cooperation is necessary to address major challenges or opportunities that transcend party lines.
Furthermore, the ability for a bill to pass with bipartisan support can be a reflection of its popularity among the public or the pressing need for such a legislation, which compels legislators to act collectively. Alternatively, it could also be the result of strategic political maneuvering or a strong lobbying effort that aligns with interests across the political spectrum.