What is the term for the process by which a bill becomes law in Congress?

The term "legislative process" refers to the structured method by which a bill is introduced, debated, modified, and eventually passed into law by Congress. This process encompasses various stages, including committee review, floor debates, voting in both houses (the House of Representatives and the Senate), and the President’s signature or veto. Understanding this term is key to appreciating how laws are created and the roles that different branches of government play in this crucial aspect of the democratic process.

Other terms like "executive action," "judicial review," and "regulatory framework" pertain to different aspects of government and law-making. Executive action refers to decisions and orders issued by the President, while judicial review pertains to the power of courts to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative acts. A regulatory framework involves the system of rules created by governmental agencies to enforce laws, rather than the steps in the legislative creation of law itself. Therefore, recognizing "legislative process" as the specific term associated with how a bill becomes law is essential for understanding the entire governmental function.