What are ordinances?

Ordinances are laws created by local elected officials, such as those in municipalities and counties, to govern specific issues within their jurisdictions. These local laws are designed to address community needs and regulations that may not be sufficiently handled by state or federal laws. The nature of ordinances allows local governments to tailor regulations to fit the unique circumstances and requirements of their communities, addressing concerns like zoning, sanitation, and public safety.

Local governments have the power to enact these ordinances because they operate under the authority granted to them by state law. This decentralized approach enables more responsive and effective governance, as local officials are often closer to the specific issues faced by their constituents.

The other options represent different levels of law-making. Laws enacted by the federal government involve broader regulatory frameworks applicable across the entire country. State legislatures create laws that govern the state as a whole, while international treaties involve agreements made between nations and do not fall under local governance. Thus, ordinances specifically refer to local laws, distinguishing them from laws established at higher levels of government.