Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Legislators Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€โš–๏ธ
Add to dictionary

legislators

[หˆlษ›dส’ษชหŒsleษชtษ™rz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

government

Legislators are individuals who are elected or appointed to make laws, especially members of a legislative body such as a parliament or congress.

Synonyms

lawmakers, politicians, representatives.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
legislators

Use this term when referring to individuals who are specifically involved in the creation and enactment of laws within a legislative body.

  • The legislators debated the new tax bill for several hours.
  • A group of state legislators is pushing for education reform.
lawmakers

This word can be used interchangeably with 'legislators' but is slightly less formal. It emphasizes the function of making laws.

  • The lawmakers have an important role in shaping the future of the country.
  • Several lawmakers walked out of the session in protest.
politicians

This is a broader term that includes anyone involved in politics, whether they make laws or not. It can have a slightly negative connotation implying self-interest.

  • Politicians often make promises during campaigns that they can't keep.
  • Many people believe that politicians are disconnected from the needs of ordinary citizens.
representatives

Use this term when referring to individuals elected to represent the interests of their constituents in a legislative body. This term emphasizes their role as a voice for the people.

  • Your local representative will be hosting a town hall meeting this weekend.
  • Representatives from the various states gathered to discuss the budget proposal.

Examples of usage

  • Legislators debate and vote on proposed laws.
  • The role of legislators is crucial in the functioning of a democratic society.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the Latin 'legislator', meaning 'one who proposes a law'.
  • Legislative bodies can be traced back to ancient civilizations, with notable examples like the Roman Senate.
  • In medieval England, the King would often summon a council of nobles to discuss laws, a precursor to modern legislatures.

Political Systems

  • Legislators are typically elected to represent the interests of the public in a democracy.
  • Many countries have a bicameral system, meaning there are two groups or 'houses' of legislators, such as the Senate and House of Representatives in the U.S.
  • In some places, legislators are appointed rather than elected, particularly in upper chambers of government.

Legislative Processes

  • A bill proposed by a legislator must be discussed, debated, and voted on before it can become law.
  • Committees play an important role in reviewing proposed laws, allowing for specialized evaluation.
  • The legislative process varies worldwide, influenced by different cultural and political contexts.

Influence and Power

  • Legislators can greatly influence societal change through their ability to pass laws on issues like education, health, and defense.
  • Public opinion and lobbying efforts often shape their decisions and priorities.
  • The lawmakers' effectiveness can often be assessed by how well they address the needs and concerns of their constituents.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The American President' show the behind-the-scenes challenges that legislators face while making decisions.
  • In many TV shows, legislators are depicted as heroes or villains, highlighting moral dilemmas in lawmaking.
  • Documentaries focused on legislative processes can reveal the drama of how laws come to be, engaging audiences in civic education.

Origin of 'legislators'

The term 'legislator' originates from the Latin word 'legis,' which means law, and 'lator,' which means carrier or bringer. Throughout history, legislators have played a significant role in shaping societies by creating and amending laws to govern the people. From ancient civilizations to modern democracies, legislators have been fundamental in the development of legal systems and frameworks.

See also: legislation, legislative.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,036 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.