Briefly describe the first step in the legislative process, introducing a law

First, a Representative sponsors a bill.

The bill is then assigned to a committee for study.

If released by the committee, the bill is put on a calendar to be voted on, debated or amended.

If the bill passes by simple majority (218 of 435), the bill moves to the Senate.

In the Senate, the bill is assigned to another committee and, if released, debated and voted on.

If the Senate makes changes, the bill must return to the House for concurrence.  

The resulting bill returns to the House and Senate for final approval.

The President then has 10 days to veto the final bill or sign it into law.

Explanation:

the social contract theory

special interest groups must step back and let the process work itself out a representative can amend it at several points in the congressional staffers must do homework and report to the floor on what they 've learned