Final answer:
The first step for an idea to become a bill is drafting the legislation. It must then obtain a Congressional sponsor and be introduced in the House of Representatives by placing it in the hopper.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first step that must be taken for an idea to be presented as a bill to Congress is the drafting of legislation. While anyone can draft a bill, it must have a sponsor - which is a member of Congress - for it to be introduced and potentially become law. Once a bill has a sponsor, the representative or senator will seek additional support from other members. When sufficient support is secured, the bill is formally introduced in the House of Representatives by placing it in the hopper, assigning it a number, and then referring it to a committee for further deliberation.