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Who is Bill?
How a bill becomes a law.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Bill | A proposed law presented to a legislative body for consideration. |
| Joint Resolution | A proposal for action that has the force of law when passed; usually deals with special circumstances or temporary matters. |
| Concurrent Resolution | A statement of position on an issue used by the House and Senate acting jointly; does not have the force of law and does not require the President's signature. |
| Resolution | A measure relating to the business of either house, or expressing an opinion; does not have the force of law and does not require the President's signature. |
| Rider | Unpopular provision added to an important bill certain to pass so that it will "ride" through the legislative process. |
| Discharge Petition | A procedure enabling members to force a bill that has been pigeonholed in committee onto the floor for consideration. |
| Subcommittee | Division of existing committee that is formed to address specific issues. |
| Committee of the Whole | A committee that consists of an entire legislative body; used for a procedure in which a legistlative body expedires its business by resolving itself into a committee of itself. |
| Quorum | Least number of members who must be present for a legislative body to conduct business; majority. |
| Engrossed | To print a bill in its final form. |
| Tabled | When a bill is presented formally at a meeting for consideration. |
| Fillibuster | Various tactics usually long speeches aimed at defeating a bill in a legislative body by preventing a final vote; associated with the U.S. Senate. |
| Cloture | Procedure that may be used to limit or end floor debate in a legislative body. |
| Veto | Chief executive's power to reject a bill passed by a legislature |
| Pocket Veto | Type of veto a chief executive may use after a legislature has adjourned; when the chief executive does not sign or reject a bill within the time allowed to do so |