In the legislative process, a bill is a ....

Analyze the question The question asks what a "bill" is in the legislative process, which means the stage a proposed law is at before it becomes law.

Explain the concept A bill is a draft or proposed law presented to the legislature (in Nigeria, the National Assembly: Senate and House of Representatives) for consideration. It only becomes an Act (a law) after it passes through the required stages and gets the executive's assent.

Stages of a bill

1. First reading: the title is introduced.
2. Second reading: the general principles are debated.
3. Committee stage: details are examined clause by clause.
4. Report stage: the committee reports back to the house.
5. Third reading: the final vote on the bill.
6. Assent: the President signs it into law.

Evaluate the options

• A. Proposal before the legislature: Correct. A bill is a proposed law submitted for the legislature to consider.
• B. Law passed by the legislature: Wrong. That describes an Act, not a bill.
• C. Motion accepted for debate: Wrong. A motion is a different parliamentary tool, a formal proposal to take some action or decision. A bill is not defined as an accepted motion.
• D. Motion rejected after debate: Wrong. This describes a defeated motion.

Exam tip Remember: Bill = proposal, Act = law. A bill is a proposed law, and once it is passed and assented to, it becomes an Act. JAMB often tests this difference, so watch for options that call a bill a "law."