Key Difference: Rules are guidelines that are provided to maintain smooth functioning of an organization and to maintain peace and harmony among its people. Rules are also an informal set of guidelines that state what a person must and must not do. Regulations can be used define two things; a process of monitoring and enforcing legislations and a written instrument containing rules that have law on them.

Rules and regulations are important terms that are used in law and every day terminology. Many people must adhere to rules every day, be it no littering, no spitting, etc. Many people assume that these two terms are often interchangeable; however, that is not the case. Though, they are used together in certain contexts, they are different from each other in many ways. Rules are informal guidelines that we must follow, while regulations are either a process of monitoring and enforcing legislations or a written instrument containing rules that have law on them.

Rules are guidelines that are provided to maintain smooth functioning of an organization and to maintain peace and harmony among its people. Rules are also an informal set of guidelines that state what a person must and must not do. Rules are prone to being changed and altered depending on the place, organization and people. Rules are a less formal set of guidelines which has little or no consequences depending on the person that is enforcing them. Rules are also enforced by the person that is making the rule. For example, rules created in a household are enforced by the parent that created the rules. Similarly, rules established in a classroom are enforced by the teacher or the school administration. Rules enacted inside the household differ from the rules enacted inside the classroom. This is because rules are more detailed guidelines and must be changed depending on the situation. Many people often believe that rules that are established in the childhood helps a person to understand laws that are created by the government and also makes him follow the laws strictly. Rules also have smaller consequences and punishment such as no TV time, or no allowance, taking away of cellphones, etc.

Dictionary.com defines ‘rule’ as:

• A principle or regulation governing conduct, action, procedure, arrangement
• The customary or normal circumstance, occurrence, manner, practice, quality, etc.
• To control or direct; exercise dominating power, authority, or influence over; govern.
• To decide or declare judicially or authoritatively
• To make a formal decision or ruling, as on a point at law.

Regulations can be used define two things; a process of monitoring and enforcing legislations and a written instrument containing rules that have law on them. David Levi-Faur’s Regulation and Regulatory Governance, Jerusalem Papers in Regulation and Governance states that regulation creates, limits, or constrains a right, creates or limits a duty, or allocates a responsibility. It can come in many forms including legal restrictions, contractual obligations, self-regulation, co-regulation, third-party regulation, certification, accreditation or market regulation. Regulation is basically ensuring that a law or legislation is put into effect and the details of how it is put into effect. The regulations are the responsibility of the executive branch.

Dictionary.com defines ‘regulation’ as:

• A law, rule, or other order prescribed by authority, especially to regulate conduct.
• The act of regulating or the state of being regulated.
• A governmental or ministerial order having the force of law
• As required by official rules or procedure

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