Cecily Zamora
The legislative process in the United States is a complex and lengthy one, with multiple steps and requirements. A federal resolution can become law, but it depends on the type of resolution. There are four main types of proposals that initiate the work of Congress: bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, and simple resolutions. Bills are the most common form of legislation and are designated by H.R. if they originate in the House of Representatives and S. if they originate in the Senate. Both types of proposals, bills and joint resolutions, require approval from both chambers of Congress and the president's signature to become law. On the other hand, concurrent resolutions address matters impacting both chambers and do not require presidential approval or have the force of law. Simple resolutions are used for matters within the purview of one house and do not have the force of law.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is a federal resolution? | A formal statement issued by the House of Representatives or the Senate to regulate the administrative or internal business of the respective chamber, or to express facts or opinions on non-legislative matters. |
| What is a bill? | A formal draft of a proposed law presented to a legislature, but it does not become a law until it is passed in identical form by both Chambers of Congress and signed by the President. |
| Can a federal resolution become a law? | No, resolutions are not signed by the President and do not have the force of law. |
| What is the difference between a joint resolution and a bill? | There is no real difference between a joint resolution and a bill. Both are subject to the same procedure, except for a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution. |
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What You'll Learn
What is a federal resolution?
A federal resolution is a proposal that can be introduced in one of four principal forms: a bill, a joint resolution, a concurrent resolution, or a simple resolution. A bill is the form used for most legislation, and it can be either permanent or temporary, general or special, or public or private. Bills that are approved in identical form by both the House of Representatives and the Senate are presented to the President for action.
A joint resolution is designated H.J. Res. or S.J. Res. and is followed by a number. Like a bill, a joint resolution requires the approval of both chambers in identical form. However, a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution does not require the president's signature to become part of the Constitution. Concurrent resolutions, designated H.Con.Res., must be passed in the same form by both houses but do not require the president's signature and do not have the force of law. They are used to make or amend rules that apply to both houses or to express the sentiments of both houses.
Simple resolutions are designated H.Res. and S.Res. and are used to address matters entirely within the prerogative of one house, such as revising the standing rules of one chamber. They are also used to express the sentiments of a single house, such as offering condolences to the family of a deceased member of Congress, or giving "advice" on foreign policy or other executive business.
The legislative process in the United States is designed to ensure that all sides have ample opportunity to be heard and make their views known. This safeguard helps to protect the interests of the minority and ensures that a proposal cannot become a law without consideration and approval by both Houses of Congress.
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What is a federal law?
Federal laws are the product of a federal law-making process that involves multiple steps, from the proposal to its publication as a statute. The legislative process is an essential aspect of the American democratic system, emphasising the protection of minorities and allowing all sides to be heard and considered.
The work of Congress typically begins with the introduction of a proposal in one of four principal forms: the bill, the joint resolution, the concurrent resolution, and the simple resolution. The bill is the most common form of legislation, addressing domestic and foreign issues, allocating funds to government agencies, and dealing with matters concerning the general public, specific groups, or individuals. Bills are prefixed with "H.R." when introduced in the House and "'S.' when introduced in the Senate, followed by a number. They become laws when passed in identical form by both chambers of Congress and signed by the President or repassed over a presidential veto.
Joint resolutions, designated as "H.J. Res." or "S.J. Res.", also require approval from both chambers and the President's signature, except when proposing constitutional amendments. Concurrent resolutions, identified as "H.Con.Res." or "S.Con.Res.", address matters impacting both chambers and do not require presidential approval or carry the force of law. They are used to make or amend rules for both chambers and express their sentiments. Simple resolutions, denoted as "H.Res." or "S.Res.", are used to address matters within a single chamber's prerogative, such as revising the standing rules of one chamber.
The ideas for federal legislation can originate from various sources, including elected members, their constituents, citizen groups, and state legislatures. The legislative process allows for the consideration and approval of proposals by both Houses of Congress, ensuring that diverse perspectives are taken into account.
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How are federal laws made?
Federal laws are made through a multi-step process that begins with a legislative proposal and ends with the proposal's publication as a statute. This process is designed to ensure that all sides are heard and that the proposal is thoroughly considered and approved by both Houses of Congress.
The idea for a federal law can come from a sitting member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives, or it can be proposed during their election campaign. Bills can also be petitioned by citizens or citizen groups who recommend a new or amended law to a member of Congress that represents them. The right to petition is guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution. Once a bill is introduced, it is assigned to a committee whose members will research, discuss, and make changes to the bill. The bill is then put before that chamber to be voted on. If the bill passes one body of Congress, it goes to the other body to go through a similar process of research, discussion, changes, and voting. Once both bodies vote to accept a bill, they must work out any differences between the two versions.
If the committee members would like more information before deciding if the bill should be sent to the House floor, the bill is sent to a subcommittee. While in subcommittee, the bill is closely examined and expert opinions are gathered before it is sent back to the committee for approval. When the committee has approved a bill, it is sent—or reported—to the House floor. Once reported, a bill is ready to be debated by the U.S. House of Representatives. When a bill is debated, Representatives discuss the bill and explain why they agree or disagree with it. Then, a reading clerk reads the bill section by section, and the Representatives recommend changes. When all changes have been made, the bill is ready to be voted on.
For a bill to become a law, it must be approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, and the President. If the President chooses to veto a bill, Congress can vote to override that veto, and the bill becomes a law. However, if the President does not sign off on a bill and it remains unsigned when Congress is no longer in session, the bill will be vetoed by default, known as a "pocket veto," and cannot be overridden by Congress.
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What is the role of Congress?
The U.S. Congress is the Legislative Branch of the U.S. government, elected by and answerable to the American people. It is the central law-making body, with the power to write and debate the laws that govern the United States. Congress also has the power to override presidential vetoes.
Congress is divided into the House of Representatives and the Senate. Bills are proposed in one of these two houses and must be passed in identical form by both houses to become law. A bill originating in the House of Representatives is designated by 'H.R.', while a Senate bill is designated by 'S.' followed by a number.
The work of Congress is initiated by the introduction of a proposal in one of four principal forms: the bill, the joint resolution, the concurrent resolution, and the simple resolution. Bills are the most common form of legislation and can deal with domestic and foreign issues, as well as appropriate money to government agencies and programs. Joint resolutions are similar to bills and are generally used for continuing or emergency appropriations, as well as proposing amendments to the Constitution. Concurrent resolutions are used to make or amend rules that apply to both houses, such as setting the time of Congress' adjournment or the annual congressional budget resolution. Simple resolutions address matters within the prerogative of one house, such as revising the standing rules of one chamber.
In addition to its law-making role, Congress also has investigative powers to oversee the federal government, including investigating the misuse of federal funds and abuses of power. This power is crucial for developing effective public policy, conducting oversight, and informing the public. Congress also has the power to establish the Supreme Court and other inferior courts, as well as to provide advice and consent on treaties and presidential nominations.
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What is the role of the President?
The President plays a crucial role in the federal legislative process. While the majority of legislative proposals are in the form of bills, which originate in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, the President's signature is required for them to become law.
A bill originating in the House of Representatives is designated by "H.R." followed by a number, while a Senate bill is designated by "S." followed by its number. When a bill is approved in identical form by both the House and the Senate, it is presented to the President for action. The President can either sign the bill into law or veto it. If the President fails to return the bill with objections within 10 days while Congress is in session, it automatically becomes law. However, if the President vetoes the bill, Congress can override the veto by a two-thirds vote in each House, and the bill will still become law.
In addition to bills, there are several types of resolutions that are part of the legislative process. Joint resolutions, designated by "H.J. Res." or "S.J. Res." followed by a number, require the approval of both Chambers in identical form and the President's signature to become law, similar to bills. Concurrent resolutions, on the other hand, are used to make or amend rules that apply to both Houses and do not require the President's signature or have the force of law. Simple resolutions are used to express the sentiments of a single House and also do not require the President's approval or have the force of law.
It is important to note that the President's role in the legislative process is not limited to signing or vetoing bills. They can also propose legislation and work with Congress to shape and influence the content of bills before they are presented for their signature. The President's administration, including various federal agencies, can also play a significant role in the legislative process by providing expertise, analysis, and recommendations.
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Frequently asked questions
A federal resolution is a statement issued by the House of Representatives or the Senate to regulate the administrative or internal business of the respective chamber, or to express facts or opinions on non-legislative matters.
There are four types of federal resolutions: bills, joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, and simple resolutions.
There is little practical difference between a bill and a joint resolution. Both are subject to the same procedure, except for a joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution. Bills are used for most legislation, while joint resolutions are generally used for continuing or emergency appropriations.
Concurrent and simple resolutions do not have the force of law. Joint resolutions, like bills, require the approval of both chambers in identical form and the president's signature to become law.
