AMENDMENTS.--In most legislative bodies a bill may be amended at the pleasure of the majority, before it is read the third time. Amendments are made for the purpose of perfecting the measure. A bill may be amended by striking out some of its provisions, by striking out and inserting, or by inserting.
A bill passed by one house of a legislature maybe amended by the other house, but, if amended, must be returned with the amendment to the house in which it originated, in order that the amendment may be considered. If one house amends and the other refuses to accept, the bill is often referred to a conference committee of members of both houses. If this does not secure agreement, and both adhere to their original action, the bill fails.
PASSAGE.--When a bill passes the house in which it originated, the clerk transmits and reports it to the other house for action. The house to which it is transmitted may pass it without commitment, but usually refers it to a committee, and, when reported, may pass it or reject it, or amend it and return it with the amendment to the house in which it originated.
When passed by both houses, the bill is engrossed--that is, rewritten without blots or erasures--and transmitted to the President or governor, as the case may be, for his approval. If approved and signed, or if not returned within a fixed time, the bill becomes a law. If vetoed, it must be again considered by both bodies, and is lost unless again passed by each, and in Congress and in many States by a two thirds vote.
SUGGESTIVE QUESTIONS.
1. Obtain from any convenient source and present in the recitation a sample of a bill, and also of a resolution.
2. Why should a bill have three separate readings on three different days?
3. Why is the report of a committee generally adopted by the body?
4. Why are chairmanships of committees usually much sought after in legislative bodies?
5. Present in the recitation a copy of the report of a legislative committee upon some subject.