Legislation 101

A bill that has passed and become law.

Public support or opposition to legislation or policy.

A change added to a bill before passage.

Authorization to spend money from the government’s budget.

Lower chamber of the legislature in some states (e.g., California).

A proposed law or amendment voted on directly by citizens.

A legislative body with two chambers (e.g., House and Senate).

A proposal for a new law or amendment.

A meeting of legislators from the same party or interest group.

A small group of legislators that reviews, amends, and decides whether a bill moves forward.

A non-binding resolution adopted by both chambers; often expresses opinion or sets internal rules.

A resident or voter represented by an elected official.

A change or addition to a state or federal constitution.

A preliminary version of a bill.

The final approval of a bill into law.

A bill’s version after passing one chamber, with all amendments included.

The final version of a bill passed by both chambers and sent to the executive.

A directive from the governor or president that has the force of law without legislative approval.

A tactic to delay or block a vote in the Senate (used federally or in some states).

A summary of the cost or budgetary impact of a bill.

The chief executive of a state who signs or vetoes bills.

A public meeting where testimony is given on a bill.

One chamber of the legislature (House of Representatives).

A resolution originating in and typically affecting only the House.

A summary of how a bill would affect people, agencies, or industries.

A citizen-led proposal to create or change a law, often voted on directly.

A resolution requiring approval of both chambers and sometimes the executive. Can carry force of law.

The process of making laws or the body of enacted laws.

Attorneys who help draft bills and review legality.

The official period when the legislature meets to consider bills.

Advocating for or against legislation by influencing lawmakers.

More than half of the votes cast. Needed to pass most bills.

Pre-written bills shared between states, often by think tanks or interest groups.

Overrides conflicting provisions in other laws. Often signals a shift in power.

A law passed by a city or county government.

Bills introduced before the legislative session officially begins.

When higher-level law overrides local or state law.

Citizens’ feedback on a bill, often during committee hearings.

To nullify or suppress legally, such as voiding a subpoena or a legal proceeding.

A process or decision by an administrative agency that acts like a court, affecting legal rights.

The minimum number of legislators required to be present for official business or voting to occur.

A citizen-driven vote to remove an elected official before their term ends.

When voters decide whether to uphold or repeal a law passed by the legislature.

When a bill is assigned to a committee for review.

A rule created by a government agency under the authority of a law.

A formal statement of opinion or intent, may be binding or symbolic.

A bill introduced in the Senate.

Key stages of a bill’s consideration on the floor.

One chamber of the legislature, often considered the 'upper house'.

Legislator(s) who formally support a bill.

A resolution originating in and typically affecting only the Senate.

A law passed by a legislature.

A built-in expiration date for a law unless reauthorized.

To postpone or kill a bill (often without debate).

Statements from citizens or experts presented during bill hearings.

A law requiring actions without providing funding to carry them out.

The executive’s rejection of a bill.

Formal expression of choice for or against a bill.

A party leader who counts and persuades votes in the legislature.