From Idea to Law: teacher key

How Laws Are Made, grade 5 edition, written for 5th grade. Every law starts as an idea. Follow a bill through Congress and past the president's desk.

Read the book. Print this page for the key.

Questions and answers

What is a bill?
- A plan for a new law (answer)
- A place to vote
- A kind of court
What can Congress do if the president vetoes a bill?
- Nothing at all
- Sometimes vote to override the veto (answer)
- Ask a city council to sign it
Why does a bill sometimes go back to the House after the Senate changes it?
- The House has to look at the changes (answer)
- The president asked for it
- The Supreme Court needs it
On the last page, what are ordinances?
- Laws made by the president
- Local laws (answer)
- Rules of the Senate
Which part of Congress has 100 members as of November 2026?
- The House of Representatives
- A conference committee
- The Senate (answer)