What is the term for the legal authority of a regulatory agency to enforce rules?

The correct term for the legal authority of a regulatory agency to enforce rules is regulatory power. This concept refers to the powers granted to agencies established by the government to create and enforce regulations within specific sectors, such as finance, health, and the environment. Regulatory agencies operate under the authority of laws passed by the legislative branch and have the responsibility of ensuring compliance with these laws and regulations.

In this context, regulatory power enables these agencies to implement rules and take enforcement actions, which may include penalties for non-compliance. Understanding regulatory power is important because it highlights the role of agencies in maintaining order and protecting public interest in various fields.

The other options, while related to government functions, do not accurately describe the enforcement capabilities of regulatory agencies. Judicial power pertains to the authority of courts to interpret the law, executive power is related to the responsibilities of the executive branch in enforcing laws, and legislative power involves the authority to create laws. None of these terms encompass the specific authority granted to regulatory agencies to oversee compliance and enforce rules within their purview.