Act vs. Regulation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Published on November 14, 2023
An Act is a law passed by a legislative body, while a Regulation is a rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
Key Differences
An Act is a formal decision or law passed by a legislative body, like Congress or Parliament. Regulations, on the other hand, are rules or directives typically designed to guide the application and enforcement of acts.
Acts, once they are passed, represent the law of the land and must be adhered to by all citizens and entities within the jurisdiction. Regulations, conversely, serve to implement the intended purpose of acts by providing specific guidelines or frameworks for adherence.
Acts often require a rigorous process of discussions, readings, and votes before they become law. Regulations, meanwhile, may be developed by governmental agencies to ensure that the implementations of acts are practical and efficient.
The violation of an Act may result in legal penalties, illustrating their compulsory nature. Regulations too can carry penalties but may also be seen as a tool for organizations and individuals to understand how to comply with acts.
While Acts are generally broad and establish principal legal norms, Regulations tend to delve into the details, providing explicit instructions on how the acts will be implemented and enforced.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A law passed by a legislative body.
A rule made by an authority to apply a law.
Scope
Tends to be broad and comprehensive.
Usually detailed and specific.
Creation
Created through legislative processes.
Often created by administrative bodies.
Legality
Is law and must be followed universally.
Directs how to apply or comply with the law.
Flexibility
Generally inflexible without amendment.
Can be adjusted more easily to address practical considerations.
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Act and Regulation Definitions
Act
To behave in a particular way.
When threatened, the animal will act defensively.
Regulation
Controlling something by rules.
Regulation of internet content can be controversial.
Act
To play a role in a theatrical performance.
She will act in the upcoming play at the local theater.
Regulation
A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
The new regulation limits fishing to certain seasons of the year.
Act
To take action or do something.
In emergencies, it's crucial to act quickly.
Regulation
The action or process of regulating.
Strict regulation ensures the safety of consumer products.
Act
To serve in a specified capacity.
The vice president must act as president when the president is unable to serve.
Regulation
The act of regulating or the state of being regulated.
Act
The process of doing or performing something
The act of thinking.
Regulation
A principle, rule, or law designed to control or govern conduct.
Act
Something done or performed; a deed
A charitable act.
Regulation
A governmental order having the force of law. Also called executive order.
Act
(Law) Something done that has legal significance
A criminal act.
Regulation
(Embryology) The capacity of an embryo to continue normal development following injury to or alteration of a structure.
Act
A statute or other law formally adopted by a legislative body
An act of Congress.
Regulation
(Sports) The standard playing period for a timed game, prior to overtime or a shootout.
Act
A formal written record of proceedings or transactions.
Regulation
(uncountable) The act of regulating or the condition of being regulated.
Act
One of the major divisions of a play, opera, or film.
Regulation
(countable) A law or administrative rule, issued by an organization, used to guide or prescribe the conduct of members of that organization.
Army regulations state a soldier AWOL over 30 days is a deserter.
Act
A performance or entertainment usually forming part of a longer presentation
A juggling act.
A magic act.
Regulation
A type of law made by the executive branch of government, usually by virtue of a statute made by the legislative branch giving the executive the authority to do so.
Act
The actor or actors presenting such a performance
Joined the act in Phoenix.
Regulation
A numbered provision within such kind of law.
Act
A manifestation of intentional or unintentional insincerity; a pose
Put on an act.
Regulation
(European Union law) A form of legislative act which is self-effecting, and requires no further intervention by the Member States to become law.
Act
To play the part of; assume the dramatic role of
She plans to act Ophelia in summer stock.
Regulation
(genetics) Mechanism controlling DNA transcription.
Act
To perform (a role) on the stage
Act the part of the villain.
Regulation
(medicine) Physiological process which consists in maintaining homoeostasis.
Act
To behave like or pose as; impersonate
Don't act the fool.
Regulation
In conformity with applicable rules and regulations.
Act
To behave in a manner suitable for
Act your age.
Regulation
The act of regulating, or the state of being regulated.
The temper and regulation of our own minds.
Act
To behave or comport oneself
She acts like a born leader.
Regulation
A rule or order prescribed for management or government; prescription; a regulating principle; a governing direction; precept; law; as, the regulations of a society or a school.
Act
To perform in a dramatic role or roles.
Regulation
An authoritative rule
Act
To be suitable for theatrical performance
This scene acts well.
Regulation
A principle or condition that customarily governs behavior;
It was his rule to take a walk before breakfast
Short haircuts were the regulation
Act
To behave affectedly or unnaturally; pretend.
Regulation
The state of being controlled or governed
Act
To appear or seem to be
The dog acted ferocious.
Regulation
(embryology) the ability of an early embryo to continue normal development after its structure has been somehow damaged or altered
Act
To carry out an action
We acted immediately. The governor has not yet acted on the bill.
Regulation
The act of bringing to uniformity; making regular
Act
To operate or function in a specific way
His mind acts quickly.
Regulation
The act of controlling or directing according to rule;
Fiscal regulations are in the hands of politicians
Act
To serve or function as a substitute for another
A coin can act as a screwdriver.
Regulation
Prescribed by or according to regulation;
Regulation army equipment
Act
To produce an effect
Waited five minutes for the anesthetic to act.
Regulation
A rule of order having the force of law, prescribed by a superior.
This industry is bound by several important regulations.
Act
(countable) Something done, a deed.
An act of goodwill
Regulation
Adjustment of parts or systems to accurate working order.
Regular regulation of the machinery ensures smooth operation.
Act
Actuality.
Act
(theology) Something done once and for all, as distinguished from a work.
Act
A product of a legislative body, a statute.
Act
The process of doing something.
He was caught in the act of stealing.
Act
(countable) A formal or official record of something done.
Act
A division of a theatrical performance.
The pivotal moment in the play was in the first scene of the second act.
Act
(countable) A performer or performers in a show.
Which act did you prefer? The soloist or the band?
Act
(countable) Any organized activity.
Act
(countable) A display of behaviour.
Act
A thesis maintained in public, in some English universities, by a candidate for a degree, or to show the proficiency of a student.
Act
(countable) A display of behaviour meant to deceive.
To put on an act
Act
Senseid|en|act of parliament}} (law) {{ellipsis of act of parliament
Act
(intransitive) To do something.
If you don't act soon, you will be in trouble.
Act
To do (something); to perform.
Act
(intransitive) To perform a theatrical role.
I started acting at the age of eleven in my local theatre.
Act
(intransitive) Of a play: to be acted out (well or badly).
Act
(intransitive) To behave in a certain manner for an indefinite length of time.
A dog which acts aggressively is likely to bite.
I believe that Bill's stuck-up because of the way that he acts.
He's acting strangely - I think there's something wrong with him.
Act
(copulative) To convey an appearance of being.
He acted unconcerned so the others wouldn't worry.
Act
(intransitive) To do something that causes a change binding on the doer.
Act on behalf of John
Act
To have an effect (on).
High-pressure oxygen acts on the central nervous system and may cause convulsions or death.
Gravitational force acts on heavy bodies.
Act
(transitive) To play (a role).
He's been acting Shakespearean leads since he was twelve.
Act
(transitive) To feign.
He acted the angry parent, but was secretly amused.
Act
To map via a homomorphism to a group of automorphisms (of).
This group acts on the circle, so it can't be left-orderable!
Act
To move to action; to actuate; to animate.
Act
To enact; to decree.
Act
That which is done or doing; the exercise of power, or the effect, of which power exerted is the cause; a performance; a deed.
That best portion of a good man's life,His little, nameless, unremembered actsOf kindness and of love.
Act
A state of reality or real existence as opposed to a possibility or possible existence.
The seeds of plants are not at first in act, but in possibility, what they afterward grow to be.
Act
Process of doing; action. In act, in the very doing; on the point of (doing).
This woman was taken . . . in the very act.
Act
To move to action; to actuate; to animate.
Self-love, the spring of motion, acts the soul.
Act
To perform; to execute; to do.
That we act our temporal affairs with a desire no greater than our necessity.
Industry doth beget by producing good habits, and facility of acting things expedient for us to do.
Uplifted hands that at convenient timesCould act extortion and the worst of crimes.
Act
To perform, as an actor; to represent dramatically on the stage.
Act
To assume the office or character of; to play; to personate; as, to act the hero.
Act
To feign or counterfeit; to simulate.
With acted fear the villain thus pursued.
Act
To exert power; to produce an effect; as, the stomach acts upon food.
Act
To perform actions; to fulfill functions; to put forth energy; to move, as opposed to remaining at rest; to carry into effect a determination of the will.
He hangs between, in doubt to act or rest.
Act
To behave or conduct, as in morals, private duties, or public offices; to bear or deport one's self; as, we know not why he has acted so.
Act
To perform on the stage; to represent a character.
To show the world how Garrick did not act.
Act
A legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
Act
Something that people do or cause to happen
Act
A subdivision of a play or opera or ballet
Act
A short theatrical performance that is part of a longer program;
He did his act three times every evening
She had a catchy little routine
It was one of the best numbers he ever did
Act
A manifestation of insincerity;
He put on quite an act for her benefit
Act
Perform an action, or work out or perform (an action);
Think before you act
We must move quickly
The governor should act on the new energy bill
The nanny acted quickly by grabbing the toddler and covering him with a wet towel
Act
Behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself;
You should act like an adult
Don't behave like a fool
What makes her do this way?
The dog acts ferocious, but he is really afraid of people
Act
Play a role or part;
Gielgud played Hamlet
She wants to act Lady Macbeth, but she is too young for the role
She played the servant to her husband's master
Act
Discharge one's duties;
She acts as the chair
In what capacity are you acting?
Act
Pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind;
He acted the idiot
She plays deaf when the news are bad
Act
Be suitable for theatrical performance;
This scene acts well
Act
Have an effect or outcome; often the one desired or expected;
The voting process doesn't work as well as people thought
How does your idea work in practice?
This method doesn't work
The breaks of my new car act quickly
The medicine works only if you take it with a lot of water
Act
Be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
Act
Behave unnaturally or affectedly;
She's just acting
Act
Perform on a stage or theater;
She acts in this play
He acted in `Julius Caesar'
I played in `A Christmas Carol'
Act
A formal decision or law enacted by legislation.
The Civil Rights Act sought to end segregation and discrimination.
FAQs
Who passes Acts?
Acts are passed by legislative bodies, such as Congress in the U.S., through a structured process of proposal, debate, and voting.
How is a Regulation formed?
Regulations are typically formed by administrative or governmental agencies to implement and manage the enforcement of acts.
Can an Act be changed easily?
Changing an Act usually involves a comprehensive legislative process, including debates, amendments, and votes, making it a detailed and often lengthy process.
How does an Act become law?
An Act becomes law after being proposed, debated, and approved in the legislative body, and then receiving the assent of the head of state (e.g., the President).
How detailed is a Regulation?
Regulations are typically quite detailed, providing specific guidelines, procedures, and standards that must be adhered to.
What is an Act in the legislative context?
An Act is a law enacted by a legislative body, establishing legal norms and standards.
Who typically enforces Regulations?
Regulations are commonly enforced by the relevant regulatory agency or body responsible for overseeing a particular sector or matter.
Who ensures compliance with Regulations?
Regulatory bodies or relevant governmental agencies typically ensure compliance with regulations, often through inspections and oversight.
What is the purpose of a Regulation?
The purpose of a Regulation is to provide specific guidelines on how an Act will be implemented and enforced, ensuring practicality and efficacy.
Are Regulations law?
Yes, Regulations have the force of law and provide the detailed rules that must be followed to comply with the act.
Can an Act be voided or repealed?
Yes, an Act can be repealed or amended through a similar legislative process that is utilized to enact it.
Is an Act superior to a Regulation?
In hierarchical terms, yes, an Act holds a superior position, with Regulations serving to facilitate its implementation.
What does an Act consist of?
An Act consists of a preamble, sections/clauses, and schedules, outlining the objective, legal provisions, and technical details, respectively.
Can a Regulation exist without an Act?
Typically, no, as Regulations are usually derived from the authority granted by Acts to specify how they will be implemented and enforced.
Can a Regulation apply to everyone?
Yes, a Regulation can apply universally within a jurisdiction or be specific to certain groups, sectors, or entities.
Is the title of an Act capitalized?
Yes, the title of an Act is usually capitalized (e.g., the Americans with Disabilities Act).
Can Regulations override Acts?
No, Regulations cannot override Acts; they must be consistent with the Act under which they are created and serve to provide detailed direction for its implementation.
What are the consequences of violating an Act?
Violating an Act can result in legal penalties, such as fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions, depending on the nature of the violation.
How are Regulations cited?
Regulations are cited using specific reference numbers or codes assigned to them, sometimes alongside the year of issuance (e.g., Regulation 123/2004).
Do Acts contain technical details?
Generally, Acts provide the legal framework and objectives, while technical and detailed provisions are often found in the accompanying Regulations.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
