Where does legislation originate?

• A. The Governor
• B. The Supreme Court
• C. Either House or Senate
• D. The Council of State

Answer: (C)

Legislation starts in the legislative branch, and in Tennessee it can be introduced in either chamber—the House or the Senate. A lawmaker drafts the bill, presents it in that chamber, and it goes to a committee for study. If the committee approves, the bill moves to the floor for debate and a vote. If it passes there, it goes to the other chamber for a similar review and vote. When both chambers approve, the bill goes to the governor to sign into law or veto. The governor, the Supreme Court, and the Council of State do not originate laws; they have other roles in government. So the idea that legislation can originate in either chamber reflects how the state's legislature is structured.