What must Congress do to pass a law?

To pass a law, Congress must achieve a simple majority in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. A simple majority means that more than half of the members present in each chamber must vote in favor of the legislation. This is a crucial aspect of the legislative process in the United States, as it ensures that the elected representatives can enact laws with the support of the majority, reflecting the will of the people they represent.

In the House of Representatives, this typically means that if all members are present, at least 218 votes are needed to pass a bill, out of a total of 435. In the Senate, where there are 100 members, at least 51 votes are necessary if all senators are voting. If there is a tie, the Vice President can cast the deciding vote.

Other options present alternative scenarios for lawmaking that are not the standard procedure for Congress. The requirement of a two-thirds vote typically applies to specific situations, such as overriding a presidential veto, but is not required for the initial passage of most legislation. Obtaining a majority vote from the President is not a mechanism in the legislative process, as the President's role is to approve or veto laws after Congress has passed them. A nationwide referendum is not part of the