Which term describes a legislative act enacted by a local authority?

The term that describes a legislative act enacted by a local authority is "Ordinance." Ordinances are local laws or regulations that govern specific areas within a municipality or local government. They are created to address issues pertinent to the local community, such as zoning, building codes, and public safety regulations. Ordinances are distinct in that they are tailored to the needs and circumstances of a specific locality, giving local authorities the power to legislate on matters that affect their jurisdiction directly.

In contrast, a "Regulation" typically refers to rules made by executive authorities based on laws, often at a higher level of government, and does not specifically denote a local legislative action. "Statute" refers to formal laws passed by a legislative body, such as a state or national government, and does not specifically apply to local authority actions. A "Directive" usually pertains to legal instruments used in the European Union to ensure that member states achieve certain objectives and is not related to local governance. Thus, the term "Ordinance" accurately captures the essence of local legislative acts.