Path · 6 steps · about 7 min

How a law gets made

From a bill in Congress to a law that courts can review.

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1. 1Congress has the powerOnly Congress can make federal laws.Article I, Section 1: Congress makes the laws · 1 min
2. 2Bill to lawBoth houses pass it, then the president signs or vetoes.Article I, Section 7: How a bill becomes a law · 1 min
3. 3What laws are allowedThe topics Congress is allowed to make laws about.Article I, Section 8: What Congress can do · 1 min
4. 4What Congress cannot doLimits on Congress, like protecting habeas corpus.Article I, Section 9: What Congress cannot do · 1 min
5. 5The supreme lawFederal law made under the Constitution overrides conflicting state law.Article VI: The supreme law · 1 min
6. 6Courts can review itCourts can strike down laws that conflict with the Constitution.Article III: The courts · 2 min