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Legislation Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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legislation

[หŒlษ›dส’ษชหˆsleษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

government

Laws, rules, and regulations created by a government or authority to regulate a particular area or issue.

Synonyms

laws, regulations, rules.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legislation

Typically used to refer to the body of laws and legal statutes that have been enacted by a government, often involving a formal process and broader framework.

  • The new tax legislation was passed by the parliament last month
  • The government is proposing new environmental legislation to tackle climate change
laws

General term used for any rules and regulations that are enforced by a governmental body. It often refers to specific statutes or codes that must be followed.

  • The laws regarding driving under the influence are very strict in this state
  • Citizens are expected to obey the laws of their country
regulations

More specific than laws, this term is often used to describe administrative rules set by government agencies to enforce laws. They are usually detailed rules governing specific activities.

  • The new safety regulations require all workers to wear helmets on site
  • Businesses must comply with federal regulations regarding labor practices
rules

A general term that can refer to guidelines or instructions that dictate behavior, often within an organization, game, or specific scenario. Less formal and broad compared to laws or regulations.

  • The school's rules prohibit using mobile phones during classes
  • The game has simple rules that are easy to follow

Examples of usage

  • The new legislation aims to protect the environment.
  • The government is proposing new legislation on gun control.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

The process of making or enacting laws.

Synonyms

act, lawmaking, statute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
legislation

Typically refers to laws and legal rules made by a government body.

  • The new environmental legislation aims to reduce carbon emissions.
  • The parliament passed new legislation on healthcare.
lawmaking

The process of enacting laws, usually carried out by a legislative body.

  • Lawmaking is a complex process that involves drafting, debating, and passing bills.
  • The committee is in charge of the lawmaking activities for the new fiscal policy.
statute

A written law passed by a legislative body. It often refers to the formal written enactments of a legislative authority.

  • The statute clearly states the penalties for committing tax fraud.
  • A new statute was enacted to regulate online privacy.
act

A specific piece of legislation that has been formally passed by a legislative body.

  • The Affordable Care Act was implemented to provide healthcare access to more citizens.
  • The Clean Air Act regulates air emissions from stationary and mobile sources.

Examples of usage

  • The legislation was passed after a long debate in parliament.
  • This piece of legislation will have a significant impact on the healthcare industry.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Political Science

  • Legislation can be proposed by members of parliament or government officials, often called bills.
  • The process of creating legislation usually involves several stages, including drafting, committee review, and voting.
  • In many countries, legislation requires approval from two houses (like the House of Representatives and the Senate in the U.S.) to become law.

History

  • One of the first known forms of legislation is the Code of Hammurabi, created around 1754 BCE in ancient Babylon.
  • The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, laid the groundwork for modern legislative processes by limiting the powers of the king.
  • In the United States, the Constitution established the legislative branch as part of the government framework in 1787.

Influence on Society

  • Legislation shapes various aspects of daily life, including education, healthcare, and environmental protection.
  • Civil rights legislation has played a crucial role in fighting discrimination and promoting equality.
  • Recent legislation in many countries focuses on technology regulation, addressing issues like privacy and cybersecurity.

Global Perspective

  • Different countries have distinct legislative processes, influenced by their political systems, such as parliamentary or presidential systems.
  • International legislation, like treaties and agreements, determines how countries interact on global issues, such as climate change and trade.
  • The European Parliament represents citizens of the EU and plays a vital role in creating European legislation that affects member states.

Origin of 'legislation'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'legislatio,' which means 'a setting of laws.'
  • It combines 'lex,' meaning law, and 'salio,' meaning to establish or settle.
  • The term has been used in English since the late 15th century, reflecting the formal process of law-making.

The word 'legislation' originated from the Latin word 'legislatio' which means 'enactment of laws'. The concept of legislation dates back to ancient civilizations like Greece and Rome, where laws were established to govern societies. Over time, the idea of legislation evolved to become a fundamental aspect of governance in modern societies, shaping legal systems and ensuring order and justice.

See also: legislative, legislators.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,144, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.