Understanding Government & Legislation
Master the fundamentals of how bills are structured and how our government works
Anatomy of a Bill
Understanding the key components that make up every piece of legislation
Title & Number
Every bill has a unique identifier (like "H.R. 1234" for House bills or "S. 5678" for Senate bills) and a descriptive title explaining its purpose.
Sponsor & Co-sponsors
The primary sponsor introduces the bill, while co-sponsors show additional support. This indicates bipartisan backing and likelihood of passage.
Summary
A brief overview of what the bill aims to accomplish, written in plain language to help readers understand the legislation's main goals.
Sections
Bills are divided into numbered sections, each addressing specific aspects of the proposed law. These contain the actual legal text and detailed provisions.
Funding Provisions
Many bills include details about how much money will be allocated, where it comes from, and how it will be distributed to implement the proposed changes.
Effective Date
Bills specify when the new law will take effect—immediately upon signing, on a specific date, or after a certain period to allow for preparation.
Understanding Congress
Congress is divided into two chambers, each with distinct roles and responsibilities
House of Representatives
435 members representing districts based on population
2-year terms with elections every even year
Initiates revenue bills and impeachment proceedings
Led by the Speaker of the House
Senate
100 members with 2 senators per state
6-year terms with staggered elections
Confirms appointments and tries impeachment cases
Led by the Vice President as President of the Senate
Three Branches of Government
The separation of powers ensures checks and balances in our democratic system
Legislative Branch
Congress (House + Senate)
Makes federal laws
Controls government spending
Regulates interstate commerce
Can impeach federal officials
Declares war
Executive Branch
President & Federal Agencies
Enforces federal laws
Signs or vetoes bills
Commands the military
Conducts foreign policy
Appoints federal judges
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court & Federal Courts
Interprets laws
Rules on constitutionality
Settles disputes between states
Protects constitutional rights
Reviews lower court decisions
How a Bill Becomes Law
Follow the journey from idea to law through the legislative process
Introduction
Bill is introduced in either the House or Senate by a sponsor
Committee Review
Relevant committee studies, debates, and may modify the bill
Floor Vote
Full chamber debates and votes on the bill
Other Chamber
Process repeats in the other chamber of Congress
Final Step: Presidential Action
President signs the bill into law or vetoes it. Congress can override a veto with a 2/3 majority in both chambers.
Ready to Explore?
Now that you understand the basics, dive into our collection of current bills and see democracy in action.