Act vs. Regulation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A law passed by a legislative body.
A rule made by an authority to apply a law.
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Nov 14, 2023
Creation
Created through legislative processes.
Often created by administrative bodies.
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Nov 14, 2023
Legality
Is law and must be followed universally.
Directs how to apply or comply with the law.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
Flexibility
Generally inflexible without amendment.
Can be adjusted more easily to address practical considerations.
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
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Act and Regulation Definitions
Act
To behave in a particular way.
When threatened, the animal will act defensively.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Regulation
Controlling something by rules.
Regulation of internet content can be controversial.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
Act
To play a role in a theatrical performance.
She will act in the upcoming play at the local theater.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 09, 2023
Regulation
A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.
The new regulation limits fishing to certain seasons of the year.
Janet White
Oct 09, 2023
Act
To take action or do something.
In emergencies, it's crucial to act quickly.
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Oct 09, 2023
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Regulation
The action or process of regulating.
Strict regulation ensures the safety of consumer products.
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Oct 09, 2023
Act
To serve in a specified capacity.
The vice president must act as president when the president is unable to serve.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023
Regulation
A governmental order having the force of law. Also called executive order.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Regulation
(Embryology) The capacity of an embryo to continue normal development following injury to or alteration of a structure.
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Act
A statute or other law formally adopted by a legislative body
An act of Congress.
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Regulation
(Sports) The standard playing period for a timed game, prior to overtime or a shootout.
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Regulation
(uncountable) The act of regulating or the condition of being regulated.
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Act
A performance or entertainment usually forming part of a longer presentation
A juggling act.
A magic act.
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Oct 07, 2023
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.
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Act
The actor or actors presenting such a performance
Joined the act in Phoenix.
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Act
A manifestation of intentional or unintentional insincerity; a pose
Put on an act.
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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.
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Act
To play the part of; assume the dramatic role of
She plans to act Ophelia in summer stock.
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Regulation
(medicine) Physiological process which consists in maintaining homoeostasis.
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Regulation
The act of regulating, or the state of being regulated.
The temper and regulation of our own minds.
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Oct 07, 2023
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.
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Oct 07, 2023
Regulation
A principle or condition that customarily governs behavior;
It was his rule to take a walk before breakfast
Short haircuts were the regulation
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Oct 07, 2023
Regulation
(embryology) the ability of an early embryo to continue normal development after its structure has been somehow damaged or altered
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Act
To carry out an action
We acted immediately. The governor has not yet acted on the bill.
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Oct 07, 2023
Regulation
The act of controlling or directing according to rule;
Fiscal regulations are in the hands of politicians
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Act
To serve or function as a substitute for another
A coin can act as a screwdriver.
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Regulation
Prescribed by or according to regulation;
Regulation army equipment
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Regulation
A rule of order having the force of law, prescribed by a superior.
This industry is bound by several important regulations.
Harlon Moss
Oct 09, 2023
Regulation
Adjustment of parts or systems to accurate working order.
Regular regulation of the machinery ensures smooth operation.
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Oct 09, 2023
Act
(theology) Something done once and for all, as distinguished from a work.
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Oct 07, 2023
Act
A division of a theatrical performance.
The pivotal moment in the play was in the first scene of the second act.
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Oct 07, 2023
Act
(countable) A performer or performers in a show.
Which act did you prefer? The soloist or the band?
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Oct 07, 2023
Act
A thesis maintained in public, in some English universities, by a candidate for a degree, or to show the proficiency of a student.
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Oct 07, 2023
Act
(intransitive) To do something.
If you don't act soon, you will be in trouble.
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Oct 07, 2023
Act
(intransitive) To perform a theatrical role.
I started acting at the age of eleven in my local theatre.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
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.
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Oct 07, 2023
Act
(copulative) To convey an appearance of being.
He acted unconcerned so the others wouldn't worry.
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Act
(intransitive) To do something that causes a change binding on the doer.
Act on behalf of John
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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.
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Act
(transitive) To play (a role).
He's been acting Shakespearean leads since he was twelve.
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Act
(transitive) To feign.
He acted the angry parent, but was secretly amused.
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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!
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Oct 07, 2023
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.
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Oct 07, 2023
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.
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Oct 07, 2023
Act
Process of doing; action. In act, in the very doing; on the point of (doing).
This woman was taken . . . in the very act.
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Oct 07, 2023
Act
To move to action; to actuate; to animate.
Self-love, the spring of motion, acts the soul.
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Oct 07, 2023
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.
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Oct 07, 2023
Act
To assume the office or character of; to play; to personate; as, to act the hero.
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Act
To feign or counterfeit; to simulate.
With acted fear the villain thus pursued.
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Oct 07, 2023
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.
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Oct 07, 2023
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.
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Oct 07, 2023
Act
To perform on the stage; to represent a character.
To show the world how Garrick did not act.
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Oct 07, 2023
Act
A legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body
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Oct 07, 2023
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
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Oct 07, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
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
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Oct 07, 2023
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
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Act
Discharge one's duties;
She acts as the chair
In what capacity are you acting?
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Act
Pretend to have certain qualities or state of mind;
He acted the idiot
She plays deaf when the news are bad
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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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 07, 2023
Act
Be engaged in an activity, often for no particular purpose other than pleasure
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Act
Perform on a stage or theater;
She acts in this play
He acted in `Julius Caesar'
I played in `A Christmas Carol'
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Oct 07, 2023
Act
A formal decision or law enacted by legislation.
The Civil Rights Act sought to end segregation and discrimination.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 09, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
How is a Regulation formed?
Regulations are typically formed by administrative or governmental agencies to implement and manage the enforcement of acts.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
How detailed is a Regulation?
Regulations are typically quite detailed, providing specific guidelines, procedures, and standards that must be adhered to.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
What is an Act in the legislative context?
An Act is a law enacted by a legislative body, establishing legal norms and standards.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Who typically enforces Regulations?
Regulations are commonly enforced by the relevant regulatory agency or body responsible for overseeing a particular sector or matter.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Who ensures compliance with Regulations?
Regulatory bodies or relevant governmental agencies typically ensure compliance with regulations, often through inspections and oversight.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Are Regulations law?
Yes, Regulations have the force of law and provide the detailed rules that must be followed to comply with the act.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Is an Act superior to a Regulation?
In hierarchical terms, yes, an Act holds a superior position, with Regulations serving to facilitate its implementation.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 14, 2023
Can a Regulation apply to everyone?
Yes, a Regulation can apply universally within a jurisdiction or be specific to certain groups, sectors, or entities.
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
Is the title of an Act capitalized?
Yes, the title of an Act is usually capitalized (e.g., the Americans with Disabilities Act).
Harlon Moss
Nov 14, 2023
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.
Sara Rehman
Nov 14, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
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).
Janet White
Nov 14, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 14, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
