tion as well as a bill requires the concurrence of both
houses of a legislative assembly to make it a law.

INTRODUCTION.--The introduction of a bill is the first presentation of
it to a legislative body for action. This is usually done by asking
"leave" of the body, either orally or in writing, to bring the measure
before it. This leave to present is rarely if ever refused.

The rules require that after its introduction it shall be three times
read aloud before its passage. These three readings do not refer to
readings for information as to its provisions. The constitutions of
nearly all States require that the three readings shall be on three
different days; but in most of them this rule, may be suspended by a
two thirds, three fourths, four fifths, or unanimous vote, the
requisite majority varying in different States.

COMMITTEES.--When a bill or resolution is introduced, it is usual to
refer it to a committee for a critical consideration. A _committee_
usually consists of from three to thirteen members, of whom the first
named is usually chairman, presumably selected for their knowledge of
the subjects to come before them.

A _standing committee_ lasts during the entire session. Most
legislative bodies have from twenty to forty standing committees.

A _special_ or _select committee_ is raised for a special purpose, and
is usually adjourned when its report is made.

A _committee of the whole_ consists of all the members of a body
sitting as a committee. In committees of the whole the regular
presiding officer usually vacates the chair, calling some other member
of the body to act as chairman. The principal part of the work of a
legislative body is perfected by its committees. They discuss the
merits and demerits of bills, and perfect such as, in their judgment,
should pass.

REPORTS.--The committee to whom a bill has been referred critically
examines it, and usually reports it to the body, either _favorably_ or
_unfavorably_, recommending that it should pass or should not pass. If
the members of a committee are equally or nearly equally divided as to
the merits of the bill, it may be reported without an expression of
opinion.

When important bills are reported by a committee they are usually
discussed by the members of the body. The debate on the measure
usually brings out the reasons for, and those against, its passage.
Many bills are several times recommitted--that is, again referred to a
commi