Final answer:
A bill is the term for proposed legislation in the process of becoming a law, involving committee reviews and debates before it can be enacted.
Step-by-step explanation:
A bill is the name given to a piece of legislation that is being considered as a law. This is a direct answer to the student's question, specifically focused on the legislative process as addressed in social studies materials.
When a new law is proposed within a legislative body, it begins as a bill. This bill must pass through various stages, including committee reviews, debates, and amendments, before it can become a law. Typically, a bill is introduced to a legislative chamber where it is assigned to a committee for study.
After hearings and debate, if the committee approves, the bill is sent to the floor for further debate and vote by the entire chamber. Upon approval by both houses of Congress, for instance, it proceeds to the executive branch where it requires approval (a signature) from the President. Joint resolutions function similarly to bills but are used under specific circumstances and also require the President's signature to have 'the force of law' as opposed to simple resolutions that are not meant to have the same legal effect.