How does a federal bill become law at the federal level?

• A. It must pass a joint conference committee before the President can consider it.
• B. It passes both chambers, is sent to the President for approval or veto; a two-thirds override can pass a vetoed bill.
• C. It becomes law automatically after a simple majority vote in one chamber.
• D. The Supreme Court must approve the bill before it reaches the President.

Answer: (B)

The main idea being tested is how a bill becomes law through a two-stage process: approval by Congress and action by the President. A bill must be approved by both the House and the Senate. After each chamber approves a version (and any needed reconciliations), it goes to the President, who can sign it into law or veto it. If the President vetoes, Congress can override with a two-thirds vote in both chambers, and the bill becomes law despite the veto. A conference committee is not required for every bill; it’s used only to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions when they don’t match.