What defines a regulation?

A regulation is defined as a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority, specifically adopted and enforced by the executive branch of government. This definition encompasses various regulations that govern the way laws are implemented and enforced, impacting a wide array of activities in different sectors, including healthcare, environmental standards, and more.

Regulations are created by governmental agencies that have specific legislative authority, allowing them to elaborate on the laws set forth by the legislative body (like Congress). These agencies develop regulations to provide detailed guidance on how the laws will be executed, such as stipulating procedural requirements or establishing safety standards. This process includes public input and review, ensuring transparency and compliance with existing statutes.

In contrast, the other options lack this specific context: a law passed by Congress refers to legislation rather than the subsequent regulations derived from it; an executive directive from the president typically pertains to policy guidelines rather than formal regulatory frameworks; and a local law enforced by municipal entities is more localized legislation rather than the broader regulatory actions enacted at state or federal levels.