What is a formal proposal to change a law, often requiring a vote?

A formal proposal to change a law is called a bill. In the legislative process, a bill is introduced in a legislative body, such as a congress or parliament, with the intention of becoming law if it passes through various stages, including committee review, debate, and voting. This process allows lawmakers to discuss the proposed changes, address any concerns, and make modifications before the bill is accepted or rejected.

The importance of a bill lies in its structured approach to amending or enacting legislation, ensuring that any proposed changes undergo thorough scrutiny and democratic debate before becoming law. For example, a bill may cover various issues, such as healthcare, education reform, or taxation, and must garner sufficient support to be enacted.

While an amendment does refer to a formal change to an existing law or a part of the constitution, it is typically part of a bill or legislative measure rather than an independent proposal. A referendum allows voters to decide on specific legislative measures directly, while a resolution is generally a formal expression of opinion or decision by a legislative body, but does not have the same legal binding capacity as a bill that aims to create or change laws.