Legislation
ˌledʒɪsˈleɪʃən
Definitions
The process of making laws; laws considered collectively.
ˌledʒɪsˈleɪʃən
Laws and regulations
The government passed new legislation to control pollution.
💡 Simply: Imagine the government is like a big classroom. Legislation is like the rules and assignments they create for everyone to follow. These rules are meant to make things better, like ensuring everyone has a chance to succeed.
👶 For kids: Legislation is when grown-ups in charge make new rules or change old ones.
More Examples
The legislation regarding taxation is complex and often debated.
The debate over gun legislation continues in the United States.
How It's Used
"The new legislation aims to improve public health."
"The legislature is considering several pieces of environmental legislation."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
to table legislation
To postpone consideration of a bill or proposal; to lay it aside for future discussion.
"The committee decided to table the legislation until after the elections."
landmark legislation
Important and influential laws that set a precedent or change the course of society.
"The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was landmark legislation."
From Latin *lex* (law) + *lātus* (carried, past participle of *ferre*, to bear, carry) + -ation, indicating the act or process of making or enacting laws. The term entered English in the 16th century.
Historically, legislation has always been central to governing societies, evolving from simple customs to complex written codes, like the Code of Hammurabi, to modern statutes.
Memory tip
Think of LEGISLATION as the ACT of making LAWS.
Word Origin
"law and act of making laws"