How does a bill become a law in the United States?

• A. It becomes law automatically after passage of a bill.
• B. It must be approved by the President alone.
• C. It must be approved by both houses of Congress and signed by the President; or Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.
• D. Only the Senate can pass laws.

Answer: (C)

A bill becomes law only after two things happen: both houses of Congress pass it, and the President signs it (or Congress overrides a presidential veto). The process starts with approval from the House and the Senate—the same version must be approved by both chambers. Once it has, the President can sign it into law. If the President vetoes it, Congress can override that veto with a two-thirds vote in both chambers, and the bill becomes law without the President’s signature. If the President neither signs nor vetoes within about ten days while Congress is in session, it becomes law on its own; if Congress adjourns during that period, the bill dies (a pocket veto). This combination of bicameral approval and presidential action explains why the described pathway is the correct one.