What term describes the process by which laws are created and passed in government?

The term "legislation" specifically refers to the process through which laws are created and enacted within a government. This process typically involves several stages, including proposal, debate, amendments, and voting by the legislative body, such as a parliament or congress. Legislation embodies the formal routes that ensure laws receive the necessary discussion, evaluation, and approval before they are established as legal rules governing society.

In contrast, a statute is a specific written law that has been enacted by a legislature, making it a product of the legislative process rather than describing the process itself. Regulations, on the other hand, are rules issued by government agencies based on the authority provided by statutes, regulating the details of how laws are implemented and enforced, but again they do not describe the legislative process. Policy making encompasses a broader range of activities in government that involve the formulation of policies, which may include legislation but also extends to decisions regarding budget, and implementation strategies. Hence, legislation is the most accurate term to describe the specific process of law-making in government.