What is an ordinance?

An ordinance is specifically defined as a municipal statute or regulation, meaning it is a law enacted by a local government authority, such as a city or town council. Ordinances are used to govern local issues, such as zoning, building codes, parking regulations, and other community standards that address the needs of the municipality. They are distinct from federal laws or state laws, as they pertain to the local level where they are created and enforced.

In contrast, a federal law originates from Congress and applies across the entire country, making it applicable on a much broader scale than a local ordinance. A Supreme Court ruling pertains to decisions made by the highest court in the United States, which interprets federal law and can have widespread implications, but is not a legislative action by a local entity. Similarly, a state constitutional amendment is a change or addition to the state constitution, involving a different legislative process and scope than a municipal ordinance. Thus, the unique nature of an ordinance as a local statute is what makes it the correct answer.