What happens after both houses pass a bill?

• A. It goes to the Supreme Court for review.
• B. It is sent to the states for ratification.
• C. It becomes law automatically after a short delay.
• D. It is sent to the President for signature or veto.

Answer: (D)

After both houses pass a bill, the next step is for it to go to the President for signature or veto. This move is the bridge between Congress’s approval and the bill becoming law. If the President signs it, it becomes law. If the President vetoes it, the bill comes back to Congress, where both chambers can vote to override the veto with a two‑thirds majority in each chamber; if they do, the bill becomes law anyway. If the President neither signs nor vetoes within ten days while Congress is in session, it becomes law on its own. If Congress adjourns during that period, the President’s veto cannot be overridden, and the bill dies—this is called a pocket veto.