Bill

Bill

Bill, in the political process, a proposed law placed before a legislative body for examination, debate, and enactment. Once enacted, a bill becomes a law. Because making laws is the primary function of the U.S. Congress, as stated in the Constitution, the introduction and processing of bills constitute the main day-to-day congressional activity.

In the federal government, a bill must be introduced by a member of Congress. Once submitted, in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, it is assigned to the appropriate committee and subcommittee, where it is reviewed. If necessary, hearings are held and expert opinions are solicited. Many bills are rejected at the committee stage; others are placed before the main body for possible adoption. A bill approved by committee is generally debated on the floor, and amendments may result. A vote is then taken. If the bill receives a favorable majority vote, it is sent to the other house of Congress, where a similar procedure takes place. Any differences between versions of a bill passed by the House and the Senate are resolved by a joint House-Senate conference committee; both the House and the Senate must approve the compromise bill that emerges.

The bill then goes to the president for approval or veto. Presidential approval renders the bill into law. A presidential veto, however, can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote of both the House and the Senate. (1)

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• Law
• Rule of Law
• Law System
• Legislation

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• Federal reserve notes
• Treasury bill
• Letter of credit
  

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  • Marking up
  • Omnibus bill

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  • Interpleader

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  • Indictment
  • Presentment

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  • however Criminal law, with respect to bill of particulars in criminal cases

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  • Commercial paper
  • Maritime law

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  • Commercial paper

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  • Certiorari

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  • Bill penal

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  • Bill of lading, infra

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  • Bill of interpleader

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  • Bill of indemnity, infra

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  • Bill of attainder

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  • Bill in nature of a supplemental bill

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  • Appropriations bill

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  • Appropriation bill

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  • Advance bill
  • Banker’s acceptance
  • Blank bill
  • Clean bill
  • Draft
  • Time (Time bill)

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  • Account (Account receivable)

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  • Account (Account payable)

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  Notes and References

  1. Encarta Online Encyclopedia

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