What is the term for a law or a set of laws established by a government?

The term that defines a law or a set of laws established by a government is legislation. Legislation refers to the process through which statutes are enacted by a governing body, such as a parliament or a legislative assembly. This body reviews, debates, and votes on proposed laws, and once these are approved, they become official laws that govern the behavior of individuals and organizations within the jurisdiction.

Regulation, while related, typically refers to rules or directives made and maintained by an authority, usually to control or govern conduct within a specific area, but these are usually based on laws enacted through legislation. Policy, on the other hand, refers to a course of action or guiding principle that an organization or government adopts, which may not necessarily have the force of law. An ordinance generally refers to a local law or regulation enacted by a municipal authority but is not used to describe the broader set of laws created at the government level. Therefore, legislation is the most comprehensive and appropriate term for laws established by a government.