What is the term for the process of formally approving a proposed law?

The term that refers to the process of formally approving a proposed law is ratification. This process typically occurs after a bill has been debated and approved by a legislative body, such as Congress. Ratification signifies that the law has received the necessary support to be enacted and is now officially recognized as part of the legal framework.

Enactment, while related, is the phase that follows ratification. It's the actual implementation of the law after it has been formally approved. Veto refers to the power of an executive authority, such as the president, to reject a proposed law, which is the opposite of approval. Legislation refers to the act of making or enacting laws but does not specifically denote the approval process itself. Understanding these distinctions clarifies why ratification is the correct choice in this context.