What is a bill?

A bill represents a draft or proposed law that is put forth for consideration by the government, typically within a legislative body such as Congress. The primary purpose of a bill is to establish new laws or amend existing laws once it is passed through the legislative process, which includes various stages of debate, amendment, and approval.

When a bill is introduced, it undergoes scrutiny where legislators can discuss its implications, propose changes, and vote on whether it should move forward. If a bill garners enough support, it may ultimately be passed and become law, demonstrating its crucial role in the law-making process.

The other options detail various forms of legislative or governmental documentation but do not define a bill accurately. A formal document outlining government policies typically describes broader objectives rather than specific legislative proposals. Reports on laws already enacted provide information on existing legislation rather than new proposals. Summaries of congressional debates focus on discussions around legislation instead of the legislation itself. Therefore, the definition of a bill as a proposed law presented to the government aligns directly with its function in the legislative process.