Final answer:
The term for a law submitted by the legislative body to the populace for ratification or rejection is a referendum, which is a form of direct democracy that allows citizens to vote directly on laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The submission of a law passed by the legislative body to the people for ratification or rejection is called a referendum. A referendum is a process that allows voters to directly influence the lawmaking process by accepting or rejecting measures put before them on the ballot. This type of direct democracy is different from the representative lawmaking process where elected officials make decisions on behalf of their constituents. In the United States, most commonly at the state level, the referendum allows citizens to counteract legislation that has already been established or propose new laws for consideration. It is an important tool for public participation in government.
Summary of the Legislative Process
- Legislation is drafted and must pass through both houses of Congress.
- It is then presented to the President for approval. If approved, the President signs it into law. If not, the President can veto it, requiring a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress to override the veto and pass the law.
- If not signed or vetoed within ten days while Congress is in session, it becomes law automatically.
- State governors also have a role in the lawmaking process similar to that of the President at the federal level.
Overall, the process of lawmaking requires frequent consensus within the legislative bodies, executive approval or override, and, in the case of a referendum, direct voter participation.