Enactment

/ɪˈnæktmənt/ noun

Definition

The process of making a proposal into law, or the performance/representation of something, especially historical events. Also refers to a law that has been passed.

Etymology

From 'enact' plus suffix '-ment'. 'Enact' comes from 'en-' (to cause to be) and 'act', literally meaning 'to cause to act' or 'to make active'. The legal sense developed from the theatrical sense of 'acting out' or performing.

Kelly Says

Historical reenactments help us understand the past by literally 'acting it out again' - the word captures both the legislative process of making laws active and the educational process of making history come alive. The term bridges the gap between performance and governance.

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