Final answer:
An ordinance is the term for legislation adopted by local legislative bodies. Other details include the use of voter referendums to overturn term limits, the requirement of three-fourths of states to ratify an amendment, and the understanding that committees are central in advancing modern legislation.
Step-by-step explanation:
Legislation adopted by local legislative bodies is commonly referred to as a ordinance. This means the answer to the initial question would be option B – ordinance. Such local legislative bodies may include city councils or county commissions which have the authority to pass ordinances affecting their locality.
Regarding the questions included in the reference information:
- When term limits have been overturned, the most common method was through a voter referendum (Option C).
- To ratify an amendment before it becomes law, three-fourths of the states must agree (Option B).
- In a citizen legislature, members tend to have lower salaries, shorter sessions, and fewer staff members to assist them with legislative functions (Option B).
- The phrase 'being marked up' refers to a bill that is being amended (Option D).
- The key means of advancing modern legislation is now primarily through committees (Option A).
The role of the legislature is vital as it is the institution that has the power to propose, deliberate upon, adopt, and modify the laws that govern a society.