What is defined as a system of rules created and enforced through social or governmental institutions?

The correct answer is legislation, which refers to a system of rules that are formally enacted and enforced by governing bodies. Legislation is integral to the framework of government and societal order, as it establishes guidelines and standards that dictate how individuals and organizations should act within a society.

Legislation is typically created through a legislative process, where proposed laws are debated and voted on by elected officials. Once passed, these laws must be complied with by the public, and they can be enforced by various governmental institutions, such as law enforcement agencies and courts. This process underscores the role of legislation as foundational to maintaining societal structure and ensuring that individuals adhere to established rules.

Other options like policy, regulation, and judiciary are related concepts but differ in key aspects. Policy refers to a course of action adopted by an organization or government, which may or may not have the force of law. Regulation often refers to rules made by governmental agencies based on existing legislation, serving to specify how the law is to be implemented. The judiciary, on the other hand, is the branch of government responsible for interpreting laws and administering justice, rather than creating laws themselves. Each of these plays a role in the governance system but does not encapsulate the comprehensive definition of a system of rules created and enforced