Article I, Section 7

Definition

Article I, Section 7 of the United States Constitution outlines the legislative process for bills, including the procedures for passing laws, the presidential veto power, and the process for overriding a veto. This section is crucial because it establishes how legislation is created and the checks and balances between Congress and the President regarding the approval of laws.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. To become law, a bill must be passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate before being sent to the President for approval.
2. The President has ten days to sign or veto a bill after receiving it; if no action is taken during this period, it becomes law unless Congress is adjourned.
3. A veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and the Senate, allowing Congress to enact legislation despite presidential opposition.
4. Article I, Section 7 also specifies that revenue bills must originate in the House of Representatives, ensuring that taxation and spending measures are initiated by the people's elected representatives.
5. The veto power serves as a significant check on legislative authority, reflecting the Founding Fathers' intent to balance power between Congress and the executive branch.

Review Questions

• How does Article I, Section 7 ensure a system of checks and balances between Congress and the President?
  • Article I, Section 7 creates checks and balances by giving the President veto power over legislation passed by Congress. When Congress sends a bill to the President, they can either approve it or reject it. If the President vetoes a bill, Congress has the opportunity to override that veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers. This system prevents any one branch of government from becoming too powerful and encourages negotiation and compromise between lawmakers and the executive.
• What is the significance of requiring revenue bills to originate in the House of Representatives as outlined in Article I, Section 7?
  • Requiring revenue bills to originate in the House of Representatives ensures that tax policies and government spending are initiated by representatives who are directly accountable to their constituents. This provision reflects the principle of popular sovereignty by giving citizens a voice in fiscal matters. The House's composition, with members serving shorter terms, makes it more responsive to public opinion on issues like taxation, allowing for greater democratic accountability in financial legislation.
• Evaluate how Article I, Section 7 contributes to legislative efficiency and accountability within the U.S. government.
  • Article I, Section 7 contributes to legislative efficiency by establishing clear processes for how bills are passed and how vetoes can be overridden. The requirement for both chambers to agree on legislation promotes thorough debate and consideration before laws are enacted. Additionally, by providing a mechanism for presidential review through veto power, it holds Congress accountable for their actions. This structure encourages legislators to create laws that reflect public interest while balancing speed with careful oversight in governance.

Related terms

Veto: A constitutional right of the President to reject a decision or proposal made by Congress, preventing it from becoming law.

Majority Vote: A voting requirement where more than half of the members present must agree to pass a bill or motion.

Pocket Veto: A special type of veto that occurs when the President does not sign a bill into law within ten days while Congress is adjourned, effectively preventing it from becoming law.