Branches of Government — Answer Key
Part A: Fill in the Blank
Write the missing word or number on each line.
1. A proposed law that has not yet been passed is called a bill.
A bill is the first written form of a law, before any voting takes place.
2. Most bills are first introduced in Congress, the legislative branch of the federal government.
Congress is where lawmaking begins because it represents the people of every state.
3. Both the House of Representatives and the Senate must pass a bill before it goes to the President.
Both houses must agree so that laws reflect the views of states and the population.
4. If a majority of members vote yes, the bill passes that house of Congress.
A majority vote shows that most lawmakers support the idea behind the bill.
5. After both houses agree, the bill is sent to the President for a final decision.
The President reviews the bill and decides whether to approve it for the country.
6. When the President signs the bill, it officially becomes a law.
Once signed, the bill is a law that citizens and government must follow.
7. If the President rejects the bill, this action is called a veto.
A veto is a check on Congress, letting the President stop laws he disagrees with.
8. Congress can override a veto with a two-thirds vote, showing how branches check each other.
An override lets Congress balance the President's power so neither side wins automatically.
9. Citizens can ask their Senator or Representative to support a bill by writing or calling, which is called civic engagement.
Civic engagement lets the people influence which bills become laws in a democracy.
Part B: Matching
Match each item on the left to the correct answer on the right.
1. Match each item to its correct answer.
Bill
→ A proposed law that has not yet been approved
A two-thirds vote of Congress that defeats the President's rejection
Veto
→ The President's official rejection of a bill from Congress
A proposed law that has not yet been approved
Override
→ A two-thirds vote of Congress that defeats the President's rejection
A formal approval that makes a treaty or amendment official
Ratify
→ A formal approval that makes a treaty or amendment official
The President's official rejection of a bill from Congress
Each term names a different step in how Congress and the President work together to make laws.