What term describes a federal or state legislative act that becomes law and defines conduct and promotes public welfare?

• A. Ordinance
• B. Statute
• C. Regulations
• D. Enabling Legislation

Answer: (B)

A statute is a formal written law enacted by a federal or state legislature. It defines what people or entities must or must not do and aims to promote the public welfare. Once it’s passed and enacted, it becomes law and is enforceable. Statutes are typically codified in codes for reference and can be amended or repealed only through the legislative process. This distinguishes them from ordinances (local laws created by cities or counties), regulations (the detailed rules that agencies create to implement statutes), and enabling legislation (the initial act that creates an agency and grants it authority).