1) Homer is Hungry

• Someone has an idea for a bill

• Idea for a bill is presented in one house of Congress– Money bills only in House

2) Homer decides he’s hungry for a donut

• Bill introduced in Congress• Bill gets a number and

assigned to a standing committee

3) Homer decides which donut he wants

• The bill is sent to a subcommittee

• Subcommittee holds hearings where experts testify for and against the bill

• Subcommittee sends the bill back to full committee

4) Homer reconsiders

Back in the full committee, they can…

B. Approve billC. Rewrite language and

approve billD. Reject billE. Amend (make real

changes) and approve bill

REJECT!

5 - A) Homer drives to donut store

• In the WHOLE House of Origin, congresspeople debate, maybe amend, and vote on bill

• If passed, bill goes to other house

5 - B) Homer stops at a red light

• Other House debates, maybe amends, and votes on bill

5 - C) Homer arrives at donut store

• If bill passes both Houses, it goes to the President

6 - A) Homer finally gets his donut!

• President signs bill into law.

7) The donut store makes Homer wait

• President can hold the bill unsigned

6 - B) Homer finally gets his donut!

• Even if president refuses to sign bill, if Congress is in session, bill becomes law in 10 days

***If Congress not in session, bill dies (pocket veto)

8) The donut store is closed - no donuts!

• President can veto the bill (reject it)

9) Homer drives to another store…

• The bill goes back to both houses of Congress for debate

6 - C) Homer finally gets his donut!

• If Congress passes bill by 2/3 majority in both houses, bill becomes law

• This is called overriding a veto

10) Oh no! Homer ate a poison gas donut!• The Judicial branch can

interpret laws• If they are found

unconstitutional, they are struck down - no longer legal